Justin Hemm stands out as one of Utah’s most successful high school football coaches, leading Skyridge High School to new heights since taking over the program. With a 67-16 career record across six seasons and a state championship under his belt, he’s transformed how teams prepare mentally and physically for Friday night lights. His approach blends old-school fundamentals with cutting-edge sports psychology, creating a winning formula that’s caught the attention of coaches statewide.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Piqua, Ohio, Hemm learned football from the ground up at Piqua High School, where he played quarterback for the Indians. Those early years in the Midwest shaped his understanding of the game’s fundamentals and competitive nature. Playing under Friday night lights in Ohio’s football-rich environment gave him firsthand experience with the pressure and excitement that come with high school football. His hometown’s strong athletic tradition influenced the work ethic and preparation methods he’d later bring to his coaching career.
College Playing Career
Hemm’s playing days continued at Ball State, where he suited up for the Cardinals before transferring to Adrian College. At Adrian, he switched from quarterback to wide receiver and made his mark on the program. He broke the school’s career receiving yards record with 1,984 yards, showing the kind of dedication and skill development that would later define his coaching philosophy. His time at Adrian taught him about adapting to new roles and maximizing potential through focused training. The experience of playing at the college level gave him insights into athlete development that most high school coaches don’t possess.
Transition to Coaching
After hanging up his cleats, Hemm didn’t stray far from the field. He moved into education, teaching subjects like History, PE, and Weights while developing his coaching skills. This dual role as educator and coach became a cornerstone of his approach, letting him connect with athletes both in the classroom and on the practice field. The transition period allowed him to study coaching methodologies and build relationships with players in ways that purely athletic roles wouldn’t permit. His teaching background helps him communicate complex football concepts in ways young athletes can grasp quickly.
Brighton High School Era
Hemm took his first head coaching job at Brighton High School in 2019, immediately making waves in the program. His debut season ended 8-3, earning him Deseret News 5A Coach of the Year honors. In 2020, Brighton posted an undefeated regular season at 10-1, proving his methods worked at the varsity level. Over three seasons with the Bengals, he compiled a 27-7 record while establishing a culture of preparation and mental toughness. Players responded to his structured approach, and the program’s rapid improvement caught the eye of larger schools looking for leadership.
Head Coach at Skyridge High School
In 2022, Skyridge brought Hemm aboard as offensive coordinator, but his tenure as a play-caller lasted just one season. Before the 2023 campaign, he was promoted to head coach, taking over a program with sky-high expectations in the competitive 6A Region 3. Skyridge competes against some of Utah’s best teams weekly, making every game a test of preparation and execution. Beyond X’s and O’s, Hemm continues teaching at the school, maintaining that connection between classroom and field that he values. He’s built a coaching staff that shares his vision for player development and mental preparation.
Coaching Philosophy and Methods
What separates Hemm from other coaches is his systematic approach to every week. Monday practices focus on fundamentals, Tuesday tackles third-down situations, and each day has a specific purpose leading to game night. He preaches a “next play mentality” that keeps athletes from dwelling on mistakes or getting ahead of themselves. Mental resilience sits at the heart of his program, with structured emotional preparation that helps players handle pressure. His collaboration with sports psychologists brings a professional-level mental game to high school athletes. Technology plays a major role, too—Hudl film study, sideline replay systems, and halftime analytics give his teams real-time adjustments that mirror college programs.
Championship Success and Career Achievements
Hemm’s crowning achievement came in 2022 when Skyridge defeated Corner Canyon 17-7 to capture the school’s first-ever state championship. That victory validated his preparation-focused methods and cemented his reputation as an elite coach. Throughout his career, he’s earned recognition, including National Coach of the Week honors and multiple region championships. His overall coaching record of 67-16 translates to a winning percentage that ranks among Utah’s best. The consistent playoff appearances and deep postseason runs show his programs don’t just win regular-season games—they peak when it matters most.
Coaching Record and Statistics
Breaking down Hemm’s numbers reveals remarkable consistency. At Brighton, he went 8-3 in 2019, 10-1 in 2020, and 8-3 in 2021 for that 27-7 overall mark. Since arriving at Skyridge, his teams have posted 13-1 in 2022 (state champions), 11-3 in 2023, 10-3 in 2024, and 7-2 through the 2025 regular season. His playoff record includes multiple semifinal appearances and the championship run. These aren’t just wins—they’re victories against some of the state’s toughest competition in what many consider Utah’s most challenging football region.
Innovative Training Techniques
Hemm doesn’t settle for standard practice routines. He’s developed a mental resilience curriculum with sports psychologists that covers emotional preparation and game-day mindset. Athletes complete a Canvas course on mental aspects of competition, treating psychological training as seriously as physical conditioning. His use of game-day analytics at halftime allows for immediate strategic adjustments based on data rather than gut feelings. Situational football dominates practice time, with one-on-one competitions that simulate fourth-quarter pressure. The sideline technology integration means players see replay angles during games, accelerating their learning in real-time.
Suspension and Controversy
November 2023 brought Hemm’s only major setback when Skyridge used an ineligible player in two playoff games. The school self-reported the violation, which stemmed from an administrative error in GPA calculations. Hemm received a two-week suspension, including two games, while the school paid a $3,000 fine and accepted one year of probation. He took responsibility for the mistake without making excuses, showing the leadership his players had come to expect. Despite missing their coach, Skyridge still reached the championship game, demonstrating the program’s depth. The incident highlighted how rule changes from 2020 created new compliance challenges for schools across the state.
Current Season and Recent Developments
The 2025 season saw Skyridge finish 7-2 in regular play, claiming a share of the Region 3 co-championship with a key win over American Fork. Quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne led the offense while sophomore backup Jagger Fountaine gained valuable experience for the future. The team’s mental toughness—a Hemm trademark—showed up in close games and fourth-quarter situations. Heading into the playoffs, the Falcons looked healthy and battle-tested from their region schedule. The program’s depth and preparation positioned them for another postseason run.
Impact on Players and Program Culture
Hemm’s influence extends beyond Friday nights. His emphasis on mental health and academic success creates well-rounded athletes who understand life after football. The teacher-coach dynamic lets him spot when players struggle academically or personally, intervening before small issues become big problems. Leadership opportunities within the program teach responsibility and accountability that transfer to other areas of life. Former players credit the mental resilience training with helping them handle college pressures and workplace challenges. Parents appreciate the structured environment and communication that keep families informed and involved.
High School Football Coach
Being a head coach means managing everything from game planning to administrative duties, and Hemm handles both sides effectively. He balances teaching responsibilities with the demands of running a major program, often working long hours to fulfill both roles. Recruiting in Utah involves understanding boundary rules and open enrollment considerations that affect roster construction. His relationship with Skyridge’s athletic department ensures the football program has the resources it needs while fitting into the school’s broader mission. Managing a young coaching staff requires mentorship and delegation, skills he’s developed through his years in education. His influence on other Utah coaches shows in how preparation methods and mental training have spread throughout the state’s high school programs.
