Ethan Desjardine is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com

When looking for success in a football team, most people look towards a team’s record to define success.

In the case of Nate Holtz’s Eagles, however, the definition of success is rooted in the culture he has instilled during his four years coaching the team.

“I think that defines who we are. My identity as a person, or as a coach, is not defined by what the scoreboard says at the end of the night,” Holtz said.

Holtz’s previous experience includes over 20 years of coaching, three of which came as the head coach for North Dakota State University.

When arriving at Scottsdale Christian, Holtz made it clear that a great culture was something he wanted to instill throughout the program.

The culture at SCA is built on core values, which shine through each and every one of the Eagles’ players.

“We have three core values that our program is guided by: Process Excellence, Selfless Energy, and Relentless Effort,” Holtz said, “We just talk about those three things continually throughout our program and everything we’re doing.”

The culture Holtz instills in his players has also translated into winning.

SCA is currently 7-2, coming off a five-game win streak, and the team has outscored its opponents by an impressive 193 points so far.

Holtz emphasized that he never preaches outcome goals to his players, and instead focuses on bringing players closer together every day.

“We don't talk about winning region, we don't talk about winning state championships, we never talk about those things,” Holtz said. “We talk about process excellence, and about being great every day, and focusing on that day, which in the end is going to lead to good results.”

The results have shown, and the players are bought in, too.

Junior wide receiver Andrew Trapp spoke on the bond Holtz’s culture has created between his teammates.

“This is the closest team I’ve ever played with, and we’re all really close friends and really want to play for each other,” Trapp said.

Holtz’s Christian faith also plays a large part in his everyday life, and what he preaches to his players.

“Obviously my faith is a huge component of my life, I try to instill that into our players, and show them what it takes to be a man and worship the Father, and how I do those things on a daily basis,” Holtz said. “In the same ways that I’m trying to lead my family, I’m doing with my players or vice versa.”

The most important thing to Holtz is not winning, but the impact he has on his players, as well as the lessons he can give.

“I'm truly grateful that I can use the game of football to hopefully have a lifelong impact on the men that I get to work with on a daily basis,” Holtz said.

The Scottsdale Christian Academy Eagles will have a spot in the 2A Verde Division Playoffs, and finish the regular season next week against rival Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, which is currently the No. 1 ranked team in the 2A Verde Section. Scottsdale Christian Academy is currently ranked No. 2.