UAPB coach turns personal tragedy into passion

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff head coach Alonzo Hampton’s journey to success is a testament to resilience and faith. His path has been marked by profound personal tragedies, yet his unwavering determination and belief in a higher calling have guided him to where he is today. The UAPB head coach shared his personal story with HBCU Gameday at the 2024 SWAC Media Day.

“When I was three years old, my mom got shot and killed by her sister’s husband. My father was shot and killed by his nephew when I was a fifth grader,” Hampton revealed. These devastating losses could have derailed anyone, but Hampton’s story is one of overcoming adversity.

A Difficult Childhood

Hampton’s early years were obviously fraught with challenges. After his father’s death, his father’s estranged wife returned to raise him despite having moved on initially.

“She came back to raise me. And I was in the fifth grade on a third-grade reading level, but it wasn’t because I didn’t know what to do. Nobody ever really showed me,” Hampton explained.

His father’s remarriage and responsibility for other children meant that young Alonzo had to fend for himself in many ways. “He had two more boys and a sister; I was the baby. So he was raising us by himself.”

Finding Strength in Faith

Hampton credits his mother for instilling in him a strong sense of faith and community. “She put me in church, and we were in church all day Tuesday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,” he recalled with laughter. “That’s where my love, that’s where my passion comes from because I know that God had a calling on my life,” he shared.

This spiritual foundation provided Hampton with the resilience and determination to excel in school and sports. He became the class president in high school, ran track, and played football in college, eventually earning a chance to play in the NFL.

“I ain’t supposed to be here, but God has always ordered my steps,” Hampton reflected.

Climbing the Coaching Ranks

Hampton’s coaching career began humbly as a volunteer coach at UAPB. His dedication and skill quickly propelled him through the ranks.

“Within a year they hired me full-time. Within two years I was a defensive coordinator,” he recounted.

His journey continued with notable stints at Western Kentucky, where he helped lead the team to its first bowl game, and at the University of South Florida, where the team won 11 games, the most in its history. Hampton’s career also included roles at the University of Oregon and Florida State , further establishing his reputation as a talented and successful coach.

A Legacy of Positivity and Leadership

Despite the hardships he faced, Hampton’s outlook remains remarkably positive.

“I’ve been blessed. So I’m going to wake up every day with a smile on my face. And I tell our players, I tell our coaches, listen, if you can’t smile then you’re in the wrong building,” he said.

Alonzo Hampton has a story that is more than just a tale of personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration. His journey from a childhood marred by violence and loss to becoming the head coach at UAPB showcases the power of faith, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. His leadership and positive attitude continue to inspire his players and everyone around him, proving that with determination and belief, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

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