ITS NOT GOODBYE, BUT SEE YOU LATER: Tyler Gillum says goodbye to Briar Jumper Nation

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset's head boys' soccer coach Tyler Gillum has stepped down from his position.

What a magical four year-span it has been for Somerset's head boys' soccer coach Tyler Gillum. Over 50 wins, two regional titles, a state quarterfinal appearance, one of the most remarkable spans in recent sports memory in the Lake Cumberland area. But just as the sun must set on each day, the magic was due to run dry eventually. Gillum will be leaving Somerset High School, as he has accepted a teaching and coaching position at Madison Southern High School. With his time as head coach of the Briar Jumpers now over, coach Gillum wanted to share a letter to our community, to the Briar Jumper Nation and to all of those that have had the pleasure of working with him.

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset head coach Tyler Gillum hugs a player after the Briar Jumpers won the 12th region soccer title.

Dear Briar Jumper Nation,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from Somerset Independent Schools and my position as the Boys Head Soccer Coach. As many of you know, I have a two hour round trip commute every day, and an opportunity closer to home became available. After a long deliberation, I decided that accepting this new position was what was best for me, my career, but most importantly for my family and getting more quickly fleeting time with my sons.

These last seven years have been filled with some of the best and most memorable moments of my life: my first Jumper Walk, Crazy Games for KSA, the success of such a historic soccer program, and all the bonds and friendships along the way. During this cherished time, I have also gotten engaged and married to my love, and Rachel and I have been blessed with two amazing sons. The Somerset administration, colleagues, students, players, parents, and community welcomed my family and me with open arms and gave me a second home away from home. That’s why for the tenure of my time here you have always seen or heard “FAMILY” loud and proud. It is not just a saying that is catchy, but an idealism that I live by and have instilled in the program.

I have done my best to always do things the “right” way: lead by example, ask of nothing I was not willing to do myself, and give grace where needed. I credit this outlook…and you amazing individuals that I have had the pleasure and honor of working with…for all the success. I would like to leave you with some final thoughts and a couple quotes that have been dear to my heart during my deliberations.

1. You are imperfect and you always will be. That means your room to grow is infinite.

2. You will always win when you move with love and genuine intentions. Always.

3. Do good because it matters, not because it gets noticed. If you can do good, you have the responsibility to do so.

4. Fall in love with the process and the desired outcomes will come.

5. Failure is a natural part of life. You’ll learn far more from a loss than you will a win.

6. Control the controllable. Effort, attitude, preparation, emotions, coachability, etc.

7. Strive to be 1% better every day.

8. It doesn’t matter how small or big your goal is… EARN IT.

9. If it does not challenge you, it will not change you.

10. FAMILY is everything. Remember it might start with blood, but it does not end there.

To my players (past, present, and future),

I was there when you made your first pass. I saw you make your first ever tackle. I cheered when you scored your first goal. I was there when you saved your first shot. I watched you develop. I saw you get better with every training session. I helped you become your best. I was there every time you looked at me for reassurance. I lifted you up when you were at your lowest. I was with you to witness your best moments. These memories are my medals and trophies. Always remember that I am PROUD of you.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset head coach Tyler Gillum (left) leads his team through warm-ups before a game this past season.

Mr. Gillum, I would like to thank you for bringing constant energy to games I have covered and for the honor of telling the story of your final team at Somerset, the team that you would pick every single day and twice on Sunday. On behalf of the local sports community, I thank you for all the memories you helped build, all the lives you have touched and the legacy you have made at Somerset High. I will always consider you family wherever your coaching journey may take you! The Somerset community is truly lucky to have had you coaching here for the time that you have, and the Madison Southern community is about to get one heck of a coach and an even better person to help lead the young men there. Thank you for everything coach, you will always have a fan in me and even more fans in the people here in Somerset.