In the halls of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, Dr. Fred Eaves stands out not just in his role as the Assistant Head of School for Operations and Co-Curricular Programs but for his profound commitment to impacting the lives of student-athletes. Eaves embodies the dual spirits of a coach and an administrator, integrating lessons from the field into school leadership. His leadership has nurtured an environment that encourages both academic and athletic excellence.
Growing up in East Tennessee under modest circumstances, Eaves faced considerable hardships, including an absent mother and a father who struggled with alcohol. Despite these challenges, he credits his coaches and mentors for steering him towards a positive path, ultimately shaping his professional life.
“I’m a poor kid from East Tennessee that grew up in a trailer with the floor falling in, rats and cockroaches everywhere,” Eaves says. “If you looked at where I’m from, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense how I’m sitting here today. And obviously, I would attribute that to God’s providence. And on the flip side, I would go back to coaches and mentors of my life who’ve always helped steer me in the right direction.”
The first person in his family to go to college, Eaves holds 6 degrees, including an undergraduate, three master’s degrees and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas. He worked alongside coaches at the collegiate level, including Gary Rankin, Johnny Long, Rod Moore, Chris Stewart, and Tommy Moffitt, but knew High School was the place where he could make the biggest impact.
In 2015, he was named NSCA High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year for his positive influence on Battle Ground Academy. His extensive background equipped him to effectively manage and inspire at Battle Ground Academy, where he now serves in a role that harnesses both his passion for coaching and skills in administration.
“I’ll be in the weight room in the morning with the football team,” Eaves says. “So it’s a weird dichotomy of what my day looks like. I change clothes a lot, but it’s fun. What’s been so impactful for me is being back in there with the kids. There’s just no substitute for being in there with the kids.”
Fred Eaves: Coach and Leader
Fred Eaves’ journey from Strength and Conditioning Coach to administrative leadership is linked by a deep commitment to student development. Transitioning roles, Eaves has carried over his passion for mentorship and team building from coaching to his broader administrative duties. His philosophy centers on the powerful role of coaching in shaping young lives—not merely in sports but in fostering life skills and resilience.
“I’m always going to be a coach whether I’m the head of school or not,” Eaves says. “I’m going to be coaching people to be the best version of themselves. So if that puts someone off, that just tells me that’s not the right fit for me or my family right now, because coaches do really really powerful work.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Balancing the demands of an expansive administrative role with a passion for coaching presents unique challenges. Eaves approaches these challenges head-on, using them as teachable moments for both himself and his students. His leadership reflects the significant achievements of the school’s sports teams, increasing Battle Ground Academy’s reputation within the competitive landscape of scholastic sports.
Building a Culture of Success
At Battle Ground Academy, Eaves has been instrumental in nurturing a culture that values hard work, respect, and excellence. He believes in the power of sports as a catalyst for educational enrichment, where lessons learned in training extend to academic and personal achievements. Under his guidance, the school’s athletic programs have flourished, creating an environment where student-athletes thrive under the principles of discipline and mutual respect. At the core of his philosophy, Eaves follows the HEART acronym: hard work, enthusiasm, accountability, resilience, and teamwork.
“If our teams are having success, they work hard, both players and coaches. The players and the coaches are enthusiastic about the work that’s going on. They hold each other accountable, players to coaches, coaches to coaches, players to players and vice versa. We’re resilient. We’re able to deal with adversity. And we work as a team. If one of those components is missing, we will still have success, but it won’t be state championship success. If two of those components are missing, we probably have a team that’s not very good and a culture that’s not very good.”
Nutrition
Athletic success often stems from what athletes are putting into their bodies as well, but managing a balanced source of nutrition for students can present a complex challenge for schools. Eaves stresses the importance of constant nutrition education and encouragement. Coaches and staff actively promote healthy eating habits by educating students about the benefits of proper nutrition and being physically present in the dining hall to guide their food choices. The school provides readily available nutritional options, including a chocolate milk dispenser and Honey Stinger products, which are popular among students.
“And we’re telling kids when you leave the weight room, we want you to eat something. We’re telling kids, “we want you to eat something in between classes. That’s been one of the benefits of Honey Stinger. There’ve been very few things like, Hey, a kid may like the almond protein bar more than the pumpkin nut and seed bar, but there’s always something there they like.”
Engagement and Visibility
Being actively involved in both the strategic and day-to-day aspects of school operations, Eaves maintains high visibility and engagement with students and staff. His approachability and genuine interest in student welfare foster a supportive environment that encourages student engagement and participation. He understands that a supportive network enhances student experience and success, making the school a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
“They said it would look like the Red Sea after school when I was parting through the halls because kids knew I was going to find them.” Eaves says. “Like, if you weren’t in the weight room, man, ‘hey, where are you today?’ And people said, ‘Man, I wanted to quit, playing that sport every day. But you Just keep finding me and making me come back.’ Just be relentless in your pursuit of trying to improve kids and make them better as people and as athletes. Kids will respond to that if they know that you want them that bad.”
Final Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Fred Eaves is committed to further developing an integrated educational experience that harnesses the best of academics and athletics. He envisions a future where each student, regardless of their interest in sports, benefits from the leadership and life lessons that athletics can teach. For aspiring coaches and administrators, Eaves advises a balanced approach where passion and practicality meet to foster environments conducive to comprehensive development.
“This role is about making their experience a lot better at a much higher level. I don’t get as much love in the AD assistant Head of School role. I deal with a lot more issues than I did before. I was much more popular being a coach. But all that said, I get to decide every day what men and women are around our kids and who is teaching them the values that they need to be successful in life and to be good, productive citizens and productive people. And it’s really humbling, but it’s also really impactful.”
Fred Eaves’ impact at Battle Ground Academy serves as a compelling example of how effective leadership can transform educational institutions. His approach illustrates the significant role that sports and coaching can play in shaping a holistic educational journey for students. As Eaves continues to drive his vision forward, his work remains a testament to the profound connections between playing fields and classrooms.
