Thomas Lloyd Roath is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

For over a decade, Mesa High School’s boys’ soccer team has been shaped not only by a commitment to excellence on the field, but by the steady leadership of head coach TJ Hagen, a man whose impact stretches far beyond wins and losses. As a coach, teacher, and community figure, Hagen has become a cornerstone of the Mesa community, and his players recognize him as more than just the man calling the shots on the sideline.

Evan Romero, a junior striker, speaks highly of his experience under Hagen’s leadership. “It’s been a really great experience being coached by Hagen. He’s definitely one of my favorite coaches, not just because he’s a great coach, but because he’s a great man,” Romero said. “The team feels good about Hagen. We respect him and we work for him. Our goal is to win a state championship for Hagen.”

Romero credits Hagen’s relentless work ethic as a key reason the program is so successful. “He does all the hard work. He surrounds himself with great coaches, leaders, and players. He always puts himself and others in a position to succeed.” Junior defenseman Jose Barrios felt similarly. “To be coached by him is an honor. Even if he wasn’t always physically at practice, you could feel his presence. He’s the one pushing us forward and helping us in any situation,” Barrios shared. “He supports us with everything, from grades to recovery. That’s what makes him special.”

For Hagen, winning doesn’t come from shortcuts or flashy tactics. It’s a result of building culture, discipline, and consistency. “You have to have players who are willing to learn and get better,” Hagen explained. “Developing the culture of the program is key, players and coaches have to be willing to do the right things on and off the field. I’ve always believed good things will happen because of that.”

His commitment to his athletes doesn’t stop at the field. Hagen is deeply involved in efforts to connect the team with the broader community. For the past decade, the soccer team has participated in the Mesa High Cemetery Clean-up Day and hosted camps for children in the area. “We’ve helped our community families with babysitting and soccer play while parents receive support during the holidays,” Hagen said. “We’ve even hosted community games for elementary schools where our players get to be role models.”

As a biology teacher and a Mesa High alum himself, Hagen’s investment in the school and its students is personal. “I grew up in the neighborhood 45 years ago, went to school at Mesa High, and have been teaching here ever since graduating college—almost 30 years now,” he shared.

Over time, his coaching style has evolved. “I’ve learned to let go of being completely in charge and allow my assistant coaches to take over trainings and practices,” he said. “We’ve built a diverse staff with different strengths, and I still believe that playing simple, fundamental soccer is what makes a team successful.”

While his methods may have changed, his values haven’t. Hagen continues to serve on the AIA Soccer Advisory Committee and the Mesa City Sports Hall of Fame Committee, all while mentoring the next generation of athletes and students.

Coach TJ Hagen isn’t just building a soccer program, he’s building a legacy of leadership, character, and community. And that’s why, when you hear Mesa High soccer, you don’t just think of a team, you think of the man behind it.