Now in his fourth season with the Edward Waters University Football team, Coach Hayes serves as the Associate Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach. His dedication and expertise have been pivotal in transforming the program into a formidable force.
Beyond the gridiron, Coach Hayes has spent seven impactful years in the field of education, currently holding the prestigious position of Department Head of Varying Exceptionalities at Riverside High School. His philosophy is simple yet profound: "To be successful on the field, you must first be successful off the field." He instills in his student-athletes the importance of excelling academically, being scholars in the classroom, and giving back to the community that supports them. This holistic approach ensures that his players are prepared mentally and physically for the demands of high-performance sports and life.
Coach Hayes practices what he preaches. He has continued his own educational journey, earning a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction and a Master's in Educational Policy and Advocacy. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth sets a powerful example for his players.
Raised in Savannah, GA, Hayes is the eldest of four children of Addison and Tayloranne Hayes. He earned his high school diploma from Windsor Forest High School, where he was a standout on both the football field and basketball court. His exceptional skills as an offensive lineman earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year for the district.
His athletic prowess led him to Virginia Union University (VUU) on an athletic scholarship. At VUU, Hayes anchored the offensive line and garnered numerous accolades, including All-Conference and All-American honors, while earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Hayes began his coaching career at VUU, starting as a graduate assistant and quickly rising to the position of defensive line coach. His leadership transformed the defensive line, which led the conference in sacks and tackles for loss.
In 2019, Hayes became the youngest high school head coach in Virginia, taking over the Huguenot High School football program. Under his leadership, the team achieved its first winning season in over a decade. Over three years, he helped numerous student-athletes earn letters of intent, enabling them to pursue higher education and continue their athletic careers. His tenure at Huguenot also saw a significant academic improvement among his players, a testament to his commitment to their holistic development.
In 2021, Hayes was tasked with building an offensive line for Edward Waters University characterized by high character, work ethic, and academic excellence. By the end of his third year, he had produced two All-Conference players and is eagerly anticipating even greater success in year four. "I am excited about what is to come in year four of this program. Every year, we have increased our number of wins, and I believe our team has learned what it takes to win. This year will be a memorable one, and it always starts up front in the trenches."
Coach Addison Hayes stands as a towering figure of inspiration, leadership, and excellence. His unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of his players, both on and off the field, continues to make a profound impact on all who have the privilege to work with and learn from him.
Â
