Ken Potter's journey is a testament to the power of passion, community, and the choices that define a lifetime. Growing up in Sunnyside, Washington, Potter was an all-around athlete, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. After high school, he attended Walla Walla Community College, where he continued to play sports and explore his academic interests. In 1978, he transferred to Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), where he pursued a degree in Allied Health Radiology while playing football and basketball.
Despite his success in sports, Potter's path took a significant turn when he realized that his true passion lay in coaching rather than the medical field. After completing his degree, he did an externship in Everett, Washington, but found himself drawn to the sidelines, calling plays for his father's high school football team. His father, a high school football coach in Centralia, Washington, welcomed Potter's involvement, and this experience solidified his desire to pursue a career in coaching.
Potter's decision to stay in high school sports rather than pursuing opportunities in college coaching was driven by his love for the game and his desire to make a meaningful impact on young athletes. He became a graduate assistant football coach at Portland State University but soon realized that the demands of college coaching were not aligned with his vision for his life. He didn't want to spend long hours in a coach's office or move frequently, as is often required in the college coaching profession.
In 1987, Potter found his true calling when he was hired as a counselor and head football coach at Jesuit High School. Over the past 38 years, he has built a legacy of success, leading the team to multiple state championships and becoming the winningest high school football coach in Oregon history. Potter's first season at Jesuit saw the team go undefeated in league play, setting the tone for a remarkable coaching career1. Since then, he has won 24 Metro League championships and four state titles in 2000, 2005, 2006, and 2015. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including Metro Coach of the Year, Oregon Coach of the Year, and National Coach of the Year for the Western Region. On September 20, 2024, Potter achieved his 353rd career win, making him the most winning high school football coach in Oregon history.
But for Potter, the wins are secondary to the relationships he has built and the lives he has touched. His decision to stay at Jesuit High School was rooted in his deep sense of community and family. He was drawn to the supportive environment and the shared goals of the people he worked with. His younger brother also joined Jesuit as a teacher and coach, further strengthening Potter's connection to the school. He believes that his purpose in life is to help young people grow, both as a counselor and as a coach. This sense of purpose, combined with his commitment to family and education, has kept him at Jesuit for nearly four decades.
Potter's coaching philosophy emphasizes balance and prioritizing what truly matters. He believes in doing less to achieve more, focusing on family, education, and then sports. This approach has not only led to success on the field but has also created a positive and nurturing environment for his players.
As Potter looks to the future, he remains committed to his role at Jesuit High School, taking it one year at a time. He continues to find joy in helping young people and contributing to their growth. His story is a powerful reminder that true success is not measured by titles or accolades but by the impact one has on others and the legacy one leaves behind.