Aleem Medley has been there and done that.
Twenty-five years ago, he was a standout quarterback at Benjamin Franklin High School, earning a scholarship to Millersville University. He returned to his alma mater in 2023 to become the head coach of the Electrons.
"This community helped shape me, and I want to give that same support back to the next generation. I am not just coaching football; I am investing in my student-athletes and helping prepare them for life," said Medley, who is also a PE and health teacher at the high school. "Being a graduate and former student-athlete allows me to connect with my players on a different level. I have walked the same halls and experienced what it is like to be a young athlete in Philadelphia. I understand some of the challenges they may face, and I want my players to know that their circumstances do not define what they can accomplish.
"On the field, I teach my players the importance of discipline, teamwork, accountability, communication, leadership, and hard work. Football can be challenging, and I use those challenges to teach my athletes how to respond when things do not go their way. I want them to understand that setbacks are part of life and that they have to keep working, stay focused, and believe in themselves.
"Off the field, I encourage my athletes to take their education seriously and understand that their future is bigger than football. I constantly remind them that being a student comes first and that the habits they develop in school, in the classroom, and in their personal lives, will have an impact on their future."
Because of the concern and dedication that Medley demonstrates for his players and the school, he is well-deserving of being named as the second Philadelphia Eagles High School Coach of the Week, presented by Visa, for the 2026 tackle season.
"Growing up in Philadelphia, growing up a big Eagles fan, it just means everything. I really can't put it into words," Medley said. "All our hard work with me and my coaching staff, all the hours that we put in throughout the year for the most part, it's very humbling.
"I'm excited for the team and the recognition of our school and representing (PIAA) District 12. I really take that to heart."
The fourth-year head coach takes his players to heart, as well. Medley knows that they're watching to see how he conducts himself and wants to provide them with a structured environment.
"I look at myself as a coach and also a role model, as well," he said. "As also a teacher here, I interact with the kids a lot throughout the day and just try to be a positive role model because growing up, I never had one. I didn't have a father figure. It was just me and my mom for the most part."
Medley also tries to teach his student-athletes to respect the game, their teammates, their opponents, their coaches, their officials, their teachers, and themselves.
"Football is a competitive sport, and I want my players to compete with passion and intensity," Medley said. "But I also want them to understand that winning should never come at the expense of someone's dignity or character. I emphasize good sportsmanship by teaching my players how to handle both winning and losing.
"When we win, I expect my athletes to celebrate with class and respect for our opponent. When we lose, I expect them to accept responsibility, learn from the experience, and continue working. I remind them that how they respond to adversity says more about their character than the scoreboard ever will. Integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is watching."
Medley feels it's important – on and off the field – that he, his assistant coaches, and his players also demonstrate respect when nobody is watching.
"I want my players to understand that every person deserves to be treated with dignity," he said. "I also believe respect has to be earned through consistency, honesty, and how you treat people when you have nothing to gain from it. I want my players to see that character does not end when practice is over. The way they carry themselves in the classroom, at home, in their neighborhood, and in the community is a reflection of who they are.
"So I definitely preach consistency. They need consistency and I definitely want consistency for myself and my coaches and my players. I show up every day, no matter if it's raining, if it's cold out, if it's hot, if you're tired. They have to be able to show up even when they're sore, when they're tired, and they don't feel like it. They signed up to play football. They wanted it. They say they love football. You have to be consistent in the game and also in life, as well.
"Ultimately, I want my athletes to leave my program with more than football skills. I want them to leave knowing how to compete with class, lead with integrity, respect others, accept responsibility, and represent themselves and their community with pride. Those are values that will stay with them long after their playing days are over."
