Owasso Community Remembers Coach, Teacher, Family Man Kyle Hollingsworth

Friends and players are remembering an Owasso man who coached soccer, taught kids, and gave back to his community.

Kyle Hollingsworth died in a crash in Arkansas on Tuesday. He was a coach, teacher, and family man. Those who knew him said he put his family and God before everything else.

“No matter win or lose, he would point them back to Christ because that was most important," said Joel Pepin.

Rejoice Christian School superintendent Joel Pepin said that was Kyle Hollingsworth’s mission as a coach: to love his students. Kyle was a computer teacher at Rejoice, along with being a soccer and cross-country coach.

“Kyle spent quite a few years here, his wife teaches here and his kids are here," Pepin said.

Pepin said Kyle was a friend, an encourager to his players, and someone with a contagious laugh.

“His love for Christ was amazing," Pepin said. "He loved the Lord and he also too loved his family.”

Senior Eli Putnam had Kyle as his coach and said he had the ability to turn anyone’s day around.

“It didn't matter if it was cloudy or rainy or stormy, he always had a positive attitude and he always wanted us to have fun," said Eli.

Eli remembers funny moments like when Kyle told the players if they made district champions, they could shave his head.

“We got to shave his head, each guy took a piece off, and we made little designs in his head.”

As students, friends, and the Owasso community grieve this sudden loss, Pepin said it's important to pray for Kyle's family and hold on to those beautiful memories.

“Although this is a hard time, we know where Kyle is right now," said Pepin.

Kyle previously coached at Northeast Oklahoma FC club soccer and a statement from the organization says Kyle was passionate, and caring and will be forever missed. Counselors are available at Rejoice for anyone who needs them.

Statement from Northeast Oklahoma FC:

"The loss of Kyle is heart breaking. He was a loving husband and loving father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.

Kyle loved coaching and was passionate about making sure his players loved each other as well as enjoyed the game of soccer. Kyle was one of the kindest men I have been around. Kyle’s priority for helping kids enjoy what they do was unmatched. Kyle loved the Lord and was passionate in His faith. He wanted players to have fun, develop and build lasting friendships. His team and parents built a very strong community and he will forever be missed."

If you would like to help the Hollingsworth, a GoFundMe has been set up.