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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Growing up in a rural community in Pennsylvania, Jeff Schellenberger had a childhood that involved playing outside with his friends and helping his dad with his home improvement projects.

“When I first played soccer in gym class, I fell in love with the sport. I just loved to run.  I noticed that my Pop had planted these pine trees outside. The pine trees were 24 feet apart, which also happens to be the exact width of a soccer goal. One day, I decided to make a soccer goal and cut one in the precise shape of the frame using the pine trees. Fortunately, when my Pop came home from work that day I didn’t get in trouble, but he and my Mom realized how much I loved soccer and signed me up to play in a league,” Schellenberger said. “For many years, my friends and I played on those goals that I carved out of the pine trees, and the farmer didn’t even plant crops on our ‘field’ so that we could enjoy it as kids.” 

Schellenberger loved the technical mastery of the game, but he also loved learning about the reasoning for it through books and magazines.

“I had really studied the sport, and how to improve and get better. If I wasn’t playing or studying about soccer, I was helping my Pop with his carpentry and remodeling projects. I enjoyed spending time with him and also working with my hands. In high school, I made a chest and cradle which I still have today. In fact, the majority of the furniture in my house today is from what I’ve made over the years,” Schellenberger said. “I spent the majority of my high school and college years in my free time helping out my Pop with his projects.” 

Fortunately, Schellenberger wasn’t too far from home for college.

“It was still further than my Mom would have liked, however, I really wanted to play soccer in college. I had selected Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia,” said Schellenberger, who had received multiple offers and interests from colleges in the surrounding area. “I knew I wanted to play soccer as long as I possibly could, and I was excited to continue.”

Playing goalie all 4 years for his college and starting since his freshman year, Schellenberger enjoyed making lifelong friends.

“In fact, we are gathering for a reunion here soon which I’m looking forward to which includes some of my teammates and fraternity brothers,” Schellenberger said. “One of them is even coming all the way from Japan.” 

When Schellenberger graduated in the early 1980s he pondered his next steps because there wasn’t a lot of opportunities to continue playing himself as a soccer player.

“I decided to look into coaching,” Schellenberger said. With a degree in psychology and a minor in studio art, Schellenberger didn’t have a hard time finding a team that was eager to have his experience and enthusiasm.

“Having had great coaches in both high school, and college, I knew the importance of being a positive role model. My Mom was also a teacher for many years, and having someone influence your passion has always been something I’ve taken very seriously,” Schellenberger said. “Aside from the technical aspect of the game, I’ve never underestimated the importance of the mental component.” 

Schellenberger began a career in coaching which included also going back to school at Temple University to earn his masters in sports and recreation. During his time influencing players at all levels, Schellenberger served as a head college coach for 17 years, assistant college coach for 2 years, high school head coach for 13 years and assistant coach for 2 years. He has also been involved in the State Level Olympic Development Program as a coach for an extensive period of time.

“I really enjoy helping with the educational side to this day which is why I’ve been involved with the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association since 2007,” Schellenberger said. Currently, Schellenberger is also coaching two teams for N.C. Fusion and serving as the assistant education director for the organization. His extensive certifications in coaching the sport demonstrates his commitment to continuing to grow and improve himself too. 

Soccer has been not only a passion for Schellenberger, but the way that he met his wife, Sue.

“Sue was a tremendous soccer player in college, and we shared a mutual love of the sport. We have spent many years on the soccer field together and she’s a phenomenal coach,” Schellenberger said. “We both have had the opportunity to coach our boys, primarily Sue did most of it.”

Their sons, Zach (30) and Jacob (26) both inherited the soccer gene from both parents.

“Being a parent is a humbling experience and one of the most joyful, too,” Schellenberger said. “Sue, Jacob and I like to hike some of the local trails in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Zach and I have taken several road motorcycling road trips. I’ve been to 32 states so far and the tradition started with my Pop, and now Zach has continued it with me.”

If Schellenberger is not off on an adventure, coaching, or providing soccer curriculum to the next generation of players, you can likely find him going to a concert or traveling to the United Kingdom and Europe to watch professional games.

“Traveling is a lot of fun, and I am always up for a new adventure,” Schellenberger said.

Although, when coming home, Schellenberger is greeted by his rescue pets that adore him.

“We’ve always loved rescuing and fostering animals. Our home has never been without them,” Schellenberger said. 

Now Schellenberger will continue to teach and share his love of soccer, travel, adventures, animals, concerts and family with his newest family member, his granddaughter, Lakelyn.

“She just makes you smile,” Schellenberger said of his promotion to Opa. “She gives you more love than you can even imagine. Sue (promoted to Oma) and I feel so incredibly lucky.”