Being a Filipino-American who immigrated to the United States when he was only 15 years old, Edgar Parker had to overcome many challenges of fitting into a new environment and learning English as a second language. With some hard work and determination, he managed to speak fluent English by listening to how people speak and with lots of practice.
“I am where I am today due to perseverance, hard work and a little patience,” said Parker.
Edgar Parker is spending his first semester teaching at Skyline as the interim head volleyball coach. Although he mainly teaches his students the basic aspects of the sport or how to develop advanced skills, he also does his best to mix in life lessons based on his own experiences; such as discipline, hard work and preparation. He tries to teach his students more than just volleyball and attempts to transformhis students into more responsible and respectful people.
Parker received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at SF State and later earned a Master’s degree in Sports Management at USF. Before coming to Skyline, he was an assistant volleyball coach at SF State. He also currently works at DIAKADI Fitness and Performance Center as a referral director and trainer operations coordinator.
Although he hasn’t been here for long, he’s already very fond of the learning environment here. He says the staff is very effective and makes the learning environment easily accessible to anyone. He’s also very satisfied that the athletic department gives both him and student-athletes the support they need to succeed.
Parker says he has always had the passion to teach. He initially wanted to become a physical therapist, but when he was offered a coaching position, he felt that he could improve students’ lives by giving them life lessons in addition to just teaching sports.
When he’s not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.
“Coaching is teaching,” said Parker. “I like the aspect of teaching life lessons that come with what you are trying to convey to your students. You live what you teach.”
