Soul of 78: Forrest Hudson

Coach, Husband, Father

Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter

"There are three titles I wanted to earn in life. The first thing I ever wanted to be was a coach, then I wanted to be a husband, and now I want to be a father."

This year, Forrest Hudson will achieve the last of the three titles he seeks to hold in his lifetime: becoming a father. But his journey to attain these titles began with "coach" several years ago.

While attending Bevill State Community College in Jasper, he served as a volunteer basketball coach at Walker High School. He continued coaching at Tuscaloosa County High School while completing his degree at the University of Alabama.

After earning his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a focus in History, Forrest coached for Opelika High School and Brookwood High School before ending up at Daphne High School. Somewhere along the way, Forrest achieved his second coveted title: becoming a husband to his wife, Meghan.

Forrest recalls one of the biggest influences on his early career: Brian Blackman, former athletic director and head coach for Opelika, and now a coordinator for a Big 12 college football team.

"He very much knew what he was doing and was just a profound Christian man and an excellent sports mind. But he was also a husband and a Christian first and really kind of helped shape my perspective on how to be a husband, how to coach, and how to make it your ministry at the same time," says Forrest.

Now at Daphne, Forrest serves as the Assistant Coach for Varsity Boys' Basketball while pursuing his master's in Secondary Education at the University of West Alabama (UWA). Forrest says he is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some great people while fulfilling what he believes is his purpose of helping boys become men and ministering to them.

"I think there are more and more young men who don't have positive male role models. I want to show them what it looks like when a man is trying to do things the right way," says Forrest. "I also want to instill in them a little more about life and show them the love that the good Lord has shown me."

Now, as he works towards his goal of becoming a head coach, Forrest wants to thank his wife for supporting him and helping him achieve his greatest title yet: father.

As Forrest reflects on his journey, he realizes that true fulfillment lies not only in the titles he has earned but in the impact he has made as a coach, husband, and soon-to-be father—a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions and embracing the opportunities to positively influence others along the way. 78