Farmington area鈥檚 Kirk Sokolosky: A lifelong passion for coaching, competition and community impact
FARMINGTON, N.M. — Kirk Sokolosky, a dedicated coach at Heights Middle School and assistant coach for Piedra Vista High School’s powerlifting team, is a local figure whose impact reaches far beyond the gym or field. With over a decade of experience in coaching and a deep commitment to athleticism, Kirk is a role model for both his athletes and the community at large. His journey from a childhood spent playing sports to coaching at some of the Four Corners’ most respected schools speaks to his dedication, passion, and desire to inspire young athletes to be the best versions of themselves.
Kirk鈥檚 athletic journey started at a young age, growing up with a love for baseball, basketball, and eventually football. His senior year at Piedra Vista High School saw him not only play on the football team but also excel as a javelin thrower, even being invited to compete for the New Mexico team. This broad background in sports laid the foundation for his coaching career, which began in 2013.
In addition to his work as a football and boys’ basketball coach at Heights Middle School, Kirk has earned recognition in the world of powerlifting and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). His powerlifting accomplishments are particularly impressive, having won national titles, including the NASA (Natural Athlete Strength Association) Powerlifting National Championship in 2012. His most recent achievement was being named the top male lifter at an NPL (National Powerlifting League) event, where he lifted a total of 1,388.9 pounds at a body weight of 196.8 lbs.
As if that wasn鈥檛 enough, Kirk鈥檚 passion for martial arts led him to compete in the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) tournament this past summer, where he won the expert 199 lb. and under division. This victory was particularly meaningful to Kirk, as it fulfilled a childhood dream of earning a trophy belt 鈥� a symbol of achievement he had long admired in professional wrestling.
For Kirk, coaching is about far more than winning games or competitions. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that athletics serve as a powerful tool for teaching life lessons. 鈥淎s clich茅 as it sounds, my goal as a coach is to help prepare my athletes for the real world,鈥� he explains. 鈥淎thletics reflects life, where life lessons can be learned and values such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork can be instilled.鈥�
Kirk’s impact as a coach is evident in his remarkable success with the Heights Middle School football team, where he served as head coach from 2014 to 2023. Over his 8 seasons with the team, he compiled an impressive 54-5-1 record, winning five San Juan Basin titles. His leadership style is built on fostering both individual growth and team unity, preparing his athletes not just for the game, but for the challenges of life outside of sports.
Despite his demanding coaching schedule, Kirk has managed to continue pursuing his own athletic goals, showing that it鈥檚 never too late to achieve personal dreams. His success in powerlifting and jiu-jitsu is a testament to his commitment to self-improvement. 鈥淚 try to stay focused on learning, improving, and growing in my hobbies,鈥� says Kirk. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about challenging myself, and staying humble, while setting new goals.鈥�
Kirk鈥檚 personal victories are also reflective of his resilience and willingness to adapt. In a sport like powerlifting, where routines and strategies can become rigid, Kirk believes the key to success lies in being open-minded and willing to evolve. 鈥淭he biggest challenge in sports is being willing to adapt and evolve,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚f you get stuck in your ways, you can become predictable or stagnant. I try to remain flexible, open to new ideas, and willing to change when necessary.鈥�
Growing up in a household where his father was a positive influence on many, Kirk learned the power of athletics to shape lives. He recalls numerous occasions when people would knock on his door to thank his father for the impact he had on their lives. This sense of purpose has influenced Kirk鈥檚 approach to coaching and mentoring. 鈥淢y ultimate goal is to be someone these kids can look up to and help inspire them to be the best versions of themselves,鈥� says Kirk. His work continues to positively influence not only the athletes he coaches but also the greater Four Corners community.
Kirk鈥檚 approach to coaching and life is rooted in continuous reflection and learning. The best piece of advice he鈥檚 received came from a mentor who taught him the importance of self-assessment and balance. 鈥淩eflect on what went well and what could be improved,鈥� he says. 鈥淎cknowledging failure is hard, but it鈥檚 the first step to growth. Focusing on the positive and learning from setbacks builds mental toughness and resilience.鈥�
This mindset has been integral to Kirk鈥檚 success, both as a coach and as an athlete. He also encourages his athletes to adopt this approach, teaching them not only how to win but how to handle challenges with grace and determination.
When he鈥檚 not coaching or competing, Kirk enjoys engaging in a variety of hobbies, including paddleboarding, mountain biking, playing disc golf, and even video gaming. These activities allow him to unwind and find balance outside the high-energy world of sports.
Kirk Sokolosky鈥檚 career is a testament to the power of sports in shaping character and community. Whether on the field, in the gym, or at home, his dedication to coaching, competition, and personal growth inspires everyone around him. As he continues to mentor the next generation of athletes, it鈥檚 clear that Kirk鈥檚 legacy will go far beyond trophies and titles. He is building a foundation for young people to succeed not just in sports, but in life.
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