Remembering Mr. Doerfler: A Beloved Teacher, Coach, and Friend

By Natalie Reynoso

Stephen Doerfler was a 58-year-old dad, son, and teacher. He was from Louisiana and loved his job as a teacher. Mr. Doerfler was also a coach and helped in almost every sport. In football, he worked with the kicker, and in other sports, he helped out wherever he was needed. But he mainly focused on soccer because he knew a lot about it. Last year, the team went undefeated and became champions.

Mr. Doerfler was influenced by Coach Hampton, another coach who helped with volleyball, basketball, track, and soccer. The two of them had a strong connection because they both loved science and sports. “He brought donuts every week for the coaches and his science buddies,” Coach Hampton said, remembering how Mr. Doerfler always made sure everyone was taken care of. He would stop by their classrooms, joke around, and check in on them.

Mr. Doerfler also loved talking about his students. He would mention how this year, his seventh graders were doing really well and actually getting their work done. But more than anything, he talked about his three sons. He was proud of all of them and everything they were doing. One of his sons had even bought a Tesla, and Mr. Doerfler couldn’t stop talking about how proud he was. “He loved his dad and his sons very much,” Ms. Love said. His family was everything to him, and whenever they needed help, they knew they could count on him.

Mr. Doerfler was always willing to help out, whether it was in the classroom, on the field, or at school events. He would volunteer whenever he could and always tried his best to support everyone. The coaches let him talk to the athletic groups, giving them advice on how to improve. He was always looking for ways to make things better, whether for his students, his teammates, or his family.

“He loved his dad and his sons very much” Ms love said.

Mr. Doerfler’s kindness and dedication will never be forgotten. He made an impact on so many people, and his legacy will live on in the students, athletes, and friends he helped along the way..