The Missouri Soccer High School Coaches Association has selected Missouri Military Academy parent Jacob Shellabarger as its 2025 Champion of the Game, a statewide honor awarded annually to one individual whose loyalty, dedication, promotion, and service exemplify the best of high school and youth soccer in Missouri.

Established in 2016, the Champion of the Game award recognizes one honoree each year from across the entire state. Shellabarger was nominated by MMA head soccer coach Rodrigo Padilla for his exceptional commitment to the MMA soccer program and his positive impact on student-athletes throughout the season.

Shellabarger is the father of Cadet Eric Shellabarger, a high school junior from Mexico, and has been an MMA parent for the past three years. He and his wife, Dawn, are steadfast supporters of MMA and its athletic programs. Professionally, Shellabarger serves as the Audrain County prosecuting attorney.

Padilla’s nomination of Shellabarger detailed how, although not a coach, Shellabarger’s influence on the MMA soccer program extends far beyond traditional parent involvement. He has been a constant presence at games, supporting not only his own son but the entire team. His behind-the-scenes contributions, including meticulously tracking player statistics, have directly benefited athletes and coaches by ensuring accurate performance data, recognition, and growth opportunities.

In addition, Shellabarger has consistently gone above and beyond to care for players, frequently providing snacks, meals, and support to ensure that cadet-athletes feel valued. His willingness to step in wherever needed reflects a rare level of dedication and service, according to Padilla.

“Mr. Shellabarger embodies the spirit of service, community, and commitment that the Champion of the Game Award was designed to honor,” Padilla said. “His heart for the sport and for our student-athletes has strengthened team unity and enriched the overall experience of high school soccer at MMA.”

Shellabarger said he is honored by the selection, particularly because of MMA’s close-knit environment.

“Some of the cadets come from all over the world, and for them to come to Mexico, Missouri — my hometown, the place where I chose to raise my family — means a lot to me,” Shellabarger said. “I really enjoy being able to treat them like members of my own family.”

His message to the cadets is simple.

“All I ever tell them is that I love watching them play — and they play hard,” he said. “I tell them the same thing I tell my son: Go out and have fun. Soccer won’t last forever. This is their chance to really enjoy the game, and I’m grateful to be part of that.”

Shellabarger said one of the most rewarding aspects is watching cadets grow and mature.

“You see them develop into the young men they’re becoming, and you see the pride on their faces when their families visit,” he said. “Their families are amazed by the transformation. It’s about much more than a shaved head — it’s how they carry themselves, how they make eye contact, and how they present themselves. Being able to witness that growth, even from behind the stats book, is very special.”

“And I try not to cheer too loudly from the press box,” he added with pride.