In her 11th VCHS year, Mrs. Barbara Wilson wears multiple hats with grace and poise – Spanish Teacher, Academic Decathlon Coach, Soccer Coach, International Club Advisor, Mentor, and the list goes on. As one of her colleagues said, “You name it. She does it.”
A Colorado native, Mrs. Wilson grew up in Arvada with two older brothers and a younger sister. She was an Arvada West Wildcat – scholar, soccer player (won the state title her junior year), volleyball player, poms team member, and peer counselor. With her mother, she often volunteered to serve developmentally disabled people. She first tasted the open doors’ magic that comes from speaking a second language – Spanish – when she had the opportunity to help her business owner father translate for a customer. She also set her sights on being the first in her family to receive a college diploma.
Heading off to Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Wilson originally pursued an International Affairs major while at the same time playing collegiate soccer. Her sophomore year, she had a transformational 6-month study abroad experience in Central America which deepened her love for the Spanish language. Afterward, she switched gears, majored in Spanish and minored in Political Science and Sociology, and graduated in 3 years playing soccer two of them. At Whitworth, she also met her husband Rob.
After college, Mrs. Wilson landed her first teaching job with Denver Public Schools working as a Bilingual Paraprofessional and later as an ESL Teacher. During those Denver years, she coached soccer at Denver South High School and later collegiately at Colorado Christian University. Then came the “Mom” years, a rich opportunity for someone so committed to family. Her husband Rob’s path included seminary and a first pastoral calling taking them to Louisville, Kentucky and then to Wilbur, Washington. In 2004, they were called to serve at
Eagle River Presbyterian Church
where they continue to minister today.
The Wilson children need mention here because they’re part of Mrs. Wilson’s story and a significant part of Vail Christian High School’s story too. Firstborn Gunner ‘13 recently graduated from Baylor and now works in the Denver real estate market. Garrett ’15 just graduated from Gonzaga and will continue his Masters’ degree there along with one more year with the Zags’ Soccer Team. Garrett just received a well-deserved honor –
The Sister Laura Michels Award
. Luke ‘18 wrapped up his freshmen year at TCU and is pursuing a Business major, and young Lolo ’22 is making highlight reels as one of our top freshmen tracksters.
Several years ago, Mrs. Wilson received a call to coach soccer at VCHS. From soccer coaching she quickly became our Spanish Teacher and then some. What has motivated her along the way? Relationships with students. Even as a teacher, she likens her role to a coach and prefers to be called Coach rather than Mrs. Wilson. In the classroom, she values teamwork and helping students overcome the challenges that second language learning oftentimes brings. As Soccer Coach, some of her favorite VCHS highlights include: holding other teams scoreless in a half, scoring goals on VMS, and making the playoffs in 2016.
In her free time, Mrs. Wilson loves being “Mom,” being involved with anything related to soccer, crafting, hiking, mountain biking, and reading historical fiction. Her faith in Christ and the example of her own mother, also fuel so much of who she is and what she does.
Coach, lives of purpose…
