Walking through the halls of Cypress Falls High School looks familiar to Mr. Liam Laird, but his role inside the building has changed. Once a student-athlete, Laird returned to the school as a basketball coach shortly after earning his degree, completing a full-circle journey from player to educator.
His transitioning experience-from student to teacher-was intense, but rewarding.
“The switch felt real for me the first time I sat down in the coach’s office as a coach and not as a player anymore,” Laird said. “The first day of school in front of students was also very cool for me.”
Laird said his previous experience as a substitute teacher helped ease the adjustment into his new position. Standing in front of students felt less intimidating, allowing him to focus on building relationships and finding his footing as a coach.
Returning to Cypress Falls offered a chance to reconnect with a sense of belonging that left him in college.
“I missed the aspect of being a part of something bigger than just me,” Laird said. “I knew coming back to Falls was an opportunity to give back to where I was from and be a part of a team again.”
Education has always been a familiar environment for Laird. His mother was a teacher at Cypress Falls while he was a student, an influence he says shaped his outlook on teaching and coaching.
“Honestly, my mom made teaching look so easy growing up, and her passion for it must have subconsciously rubbed off on me,” Laird said.
A cultivated craft, Laird has troubled his ways through the dark and light spots of being a teacher.
“I’ve learned that teaching is actually pretty challenging, but it is also really rewarding,” Laird said.
Laird has no trouble navigating his way through his old stomping grounds, the same place but a different person.
“The school hallways look the same, but it definitely comes from a different perspective now,” Laird said. “It’s awesome to get to see the kids enjoy school and make memories in the same place I went to school.”
As a coach, Laird balances multiple responsibilities across different teams within the program. The pressure is constantly on for Laird, he aims to set a positive example for his students while also leading them into greatness.
“The pressure that comes with coaching isn’t really about the age; it’s more about the expectations that come with being a coach at a great program like Cy Falls,” Laird said.
Laird serves different roles depending on the team, working with both Varsity and Freshman-B players. He said each group requires a different approach and mindset.
“My job is really unique in that I get to have a different role in multiple teams,” Laird said.
One of the biggest influences on Laird’s path was former Cypress Falls teacher and coach, Coach James Parrish, whom Laird credits as a mentor.
“Coach Parrish really was a great mentor for me and helped me out a lot getting into teaching,” Laird said. “I basically took over his job here, and looking back at my time as a player is really cool from his point of view.”
Laird also reflected on the respect and understanding his players show him, which helps maintain boundaries while still allowing him to relate to them.
“I have a great group of guys on my team that know the goal and are respectful,” Laird said. “Being a younger coach, I definitely can relate to them having been in their shoes just five to six years ago.”
Having someone who has experienced the program as a student-athlete has been valuable for the team, Laird said. He believes his background helps build trust and connection with players.
Looking back on his own time as a student, Laird said he would offer simple advice to those currently walking the halls.
“Enjoy every second as a player and a student; you never get those years back,” Laird said. “Also maybe pay attention a little bit more at practice.”
Now, guiding the next generation of Cypress Falls athletes, Laird continues to build on the legacy that first inspired him, carrying forward lessons learned as both a student and a coach.
