Staff Highlight: Mr. Edward Humpherys
Edward humpherys, more than a coach
“Football is the vehicle we use to demonstrate Christlike care. It’s a game of adversity, just like life, and it teaches us how to respond when things get tough.”
Since joining Rancho Christian School in March 2020, Coach Edward Humpherys, affectionately known as “Coach E,” has worn many hats. As JV Head Football Coach, Varsity Running Backs Coach, General Manager, and Recruiting Coordinator, Coach E is not just a leader on the field but also a mentor to his students. Beyond football, he serves as an advisor for the Black Student Union (BSU) and teaches in the Theology Department. His passion for building relationships is at the core of everything he does at Rancho, extending into chapel services and his role as Elder and Music Director at his local church.
From Music to Ministry: A Shifted Path
Raised in the church by his godmother and playing drums from the age of 3, Coach E’s roots in ministry run deep. Initially, he set his sights on becoming a neurosurgeon, but life had other plans. After a car accident that required him to learn how to walk again, his passion for ministry grew stronger. He originally pursued engineering at NC A&T State but shifted to music ministry after the accident, ultimately discovering his true passion - helping and mentoring others.
Before coming to Rancho Christian, Coach E gained valuable experience in corporate recruiting and the restaurant industry. When he moved to California, his journey at Rancho began as a coach. He was soon hired as an enrichment teacher, then for sports history and PE, and eventually moved into his current role.
A Coaching Philosophy Rooted in Relationships
At the heart of Coach E’s coaching and teaching style is a focus on relationships. He believes in truly connecting with each student-athlete and earning their respect before offering correction or leadership. Known as the “team hype guy,” Coach E brings the “juice” - his infectious energy - to every practice and game. His goal is to lead by example, understanding that words carry weight and relationships have lasting impact.
Coach E treasures the opportunity to impact the lives of students at Rancho Christian. He recalls the story of Connor Greenwood, a student he coached on a 7-on-7 team. Although Connor didn’t get as much play time as he had hoped, he remained a dedicated teammate. Greenwood eventually came to play at Rancho, gave his life to Christ, and is now leading a discipleship group at MSJC. Similarly, Matan Conrad, who transferred from another local high school, found his stride at Rancho under Coach E’s guidance. Despite being new to the position, Matan is now ranked as one of the top rushers in the valley, proving that with support, hard work, and Christlike care, transformation happens both on and off the field.
Christlike Care
For Coach E, football is not just about winning - it’s about building character and community. He emphasizes that individual success doesn’t win games - it takes all 11 players working together, just as Christ teaches us the value of community. Coach E’s influence on and off the field ensures that Rancho Christian athletes are not only prepared to succeed in football but also to thrive in life.
Outside of football & teaching, Coach E is deeply involved in his local church and enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to Iyana, Rancho Christian’s Cheer Coach and Elementary teacher (who often reminds him that she is the only undefeated coach on campus). Together, they share four children: Christian, Cheyenne, Kaleb and Harmony. With a shared commitment to Christ and their roles at Rancho Christian, the Humpherys family continues to make a lasting impact on the community.