As the Director of Talent, I am actively seeking nominations of outstanding athletes to compete in the 2025 All State Game. Your nomination gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills, compete alongside the state’s best, and earn elite-level recognition. Honor their dedication by nominating them today and open the door to an unforgettable experience.
In the heart of every young athlete lies a burning desire to excel, to represent not just themselves but their communities on a grand stage. This is exactly the opportunity set to unfold at the 2025 All State Game, where talented youth athletes will compete against their peers from across the state, showcasing their skills and representing their hometowns. At the helm of this prestigious event is none other than Eric Douglas, a figure whose passion for sport and unwavering commitment to youth development makes him the perfect choice as an official coach.
Eric Douglas’s story begins in Salem, Ohio, where his early life was shaped by the virtues of hard work and perseverance. As a defensive back at Evangel University, he embraced the ethos of being a Scholar-Athlete, a title that emphasizes the importance of academics alongside athletics. His impressive performance on the field earned him induction into the Evangel University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his legacy in collegiate sports.
But for Eric, football has never just been about accolades; it’s about empowerment and the transformative power of sport. As the Founder and President of XL212 Sports, he has dedicated his career to creating EPIC experiences for student-athletes. Through his work, he equips coaches and athletes to achieve more than just victories, encouraging them to go “Beyond Winning.” This philosophy will undoubtedly resonate during the All State Game, where success will be measured not only by the score but by the growth and development of each athlete.
Eric’s impact extends beyond the football field. He is a certified Executive Coach, sharing his vision of success through seminars, workshops, and individualized coaching for business and community leaders alike. His guiding principles emphasize the qualities that define true leaders—integrity, passion, and resilience—values that he instills in the athletes he trains.
As a coach, he has worn many hats, from the sidelines of high school football games to the broadcast booth, and even the speaker’s platform. His rich experience includes coaching positions at Sunlake High School and Land O’ Lakes High School, along with serving in NCAA Division III at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. Each experience has armed him with the tools necessary to lead young athletes as they step into one of the most significant competitions of their careers at the All State Game.
Eric’s commitment to his community extends far beyond the athletic realm. As a board member of the local rotary and an active participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he understands the dual responsibility of athletes to serve as positive role models. His efforts to uplift his community and provide opportunities for youth reflect the core values of the All State Game, which aims to expose and develop the talent of every athlete—ensuring equity in participation, regardless of financial constraints.
In his own life, Eric finds balance and inspiration in his family—his wife Meg, who works for Nike, and their three children, EJ, Eve, and Steele. Together, they embody the spirit of hard work and dedication to the game, values that Eric communicates to the young athletes he coaches.
The 2025 All State Game promises to be more than just a showcase of athletic prowess; it is an opportunity for athletes to forge alliances with peers from their communities and compete against rivals from across the state. It embodies a mission of expert assessment and inclusion, ensuring that the most talented players are not sidelined due to financial barriers. Through the unwavering commitment of people like Eric Douglas, every accepted athlete will have the chance to participate, and their talent will be celebrated.
As Eric prepares to lead the athletes into this monumental event, he brings with him not just expertise but also a heartfelt desire to guide them in their journey. His insights will empower them not just to compete but to learn valuable life lessons—about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of community.
Coach Eric Douglas is not just an official at the upcoming All State Game; he is a beacon of hope, change, and inspiration. His impact as a coach will shape the lives of many young athletes, as he fosters an environment where they can thrive and grow both on and off the field. The All State Game is not merely a competition; it’s a celebration of talent, passion, and, above all, the incredible journey that sports can offer to young individuals.
As the 2025 All State Game approaches, the anticipation is palpable. With Coach Douglas at the forefront, this event is sure to leave an indelible mark on the lives of many, helping to mold the next generation of leaders, athletes, and change-makers.