Mentor/Coach: Jake Allen is August's Queen Creek Hometown Hero

Sports, especially wrestling, are important to Jake Allen but he also values the time he spends in the classroom with students.

Allen teaches psychology at Crismon High School where he also serves as the head wrestling coach. He also co-founded MAW Wrestling Academy.

Allen, who received a Queen Creek Unified School District Award of Excellence as educator of the year in 2023, has built Crismon’s wrestling team from the ground up and expects his wrestlers and students to hold themselves up to a higher standard.

“I have had the honor of coaching national-level wrestlers, teaching AP Psychology and creating a classroom that challenges students to reflect, question and grow,” Allen said.

Name: Jake Allen

Business/organization Name: Crismon High School/MAW Wrestling Academy

When and why I moved here: I moved here with the vision of building something meaningful, a wrestling culture and classroom environment that changes lives. Queen Creek gave me the opportunity to plant roots and impact students both on the mat and in the classroom.

What I like most about living here: The people. There is an energy here, a pride in the community and a belief in building something greater together.

What I do: I teach psychology at Crismon High School and serve as the head wrestling coach. I also co-founded MAW Wrestling Academy. I teach students how the mind works and train athletes to strengthen both body and spirit.

Personal background highlights: My journey has been shaped by sports, mentorship and a desire to give back. I am a husband, a father and someone who believes deeply in the power of intentional living.

Professional background highlights: I have built a competitive wrestling program from the ground up and helped mentor hundreds of students through both academics and athletics. I have had the honor of coaching national-level wrestlers, teaching AP Psychology and creating a classroom that challenges students to reflect, question and grow.

What I like most about what I do: Watching growth. Whether it is a student connecting the dots in class or an athlete breaking through a mental barrier, those moments of transformation are everything.

What does being nominated for this category mean to you? It is humbling. I do not show up every day for awards, I do it because it matters. But to be recognized by this community means a lot. It tells me the work is reaching people.

What does it mean to be a Queen Creek resident? It means being rooted in purpose. It means standing for something, giving your best and helping build a town your kids will be proud to call home.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? I bring passion, discipline and a refusal to accept mediocrity. I push students and athletes to hold themselves to a higher standard and believe in their own potential. I try to be the mentor I once needed.

What would you tell people about why it is important to make a difference in Queen Creek? Because this is a growing town with a ton of potential and what we invest in now becomes the legacy we leave. Our kids deserve mentors, leaders and people who care enough to step in.

Changes I would like to see in this area: More resources for mental health, expanded support for student athletes and opportunities for kids who do not always fit into traditional molds to still find success.

Favorite community cause and why: Youth mentorship and development. I have seen firsthand what happens when a kid finally believes in themselves. That shift changes everything.

My family: My wife is the backbone of our home. We have two incredible young kids who keep us grounded, laughing and inspired.

My interests and hobbies: Coaching, reading, studying performance psychology, going on adventures with my family and always working on personal growth.

The traits I admire in others: Grit, humility and integrity. People who say what they mean and do what they say.

People who inspired me and how: My father taught me how to lead with confident strength. The Army taught me how to lead from the front. The people I coach with in my life show me the power of high expectations paired with purposeful love.

My guiding philosophy: Do hard things on purpose. Live with intention. Leave people better than you found them.

My advice to today’s youth: You are capable of more than you think, but no one’s going to hand it to you. Fight for it. Stay consistent. Be honest with yourself. And surround yourself with people who push you to be better.

The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Jake Allen as the August 2025 Hometown Hero bestowed in the category of Mentor/Coach.  The Queen Creek Independent along with East Valley Institute of Technology and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Mr. Allen as this month's Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.