With 17 years of experience in high school and collegiate athletics, Faulkner alumnus Blake Boren is making a lasting impact as the Director of Athletics at Prattville High School, where he oversees more than 650 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports.
He was recently honored as the Distinguished Alumnus for Faulkner’s Kinesiology and Exercise Science department in the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences for the 2025 Marketplace Faith Friday Forums.
Boren, a 2009 graduate of Faulkner University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career, including Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and Head Coach for golf, bowling and tennis. His tenure is marked by championships such as the 2009 Hoover High School Football State Championship and the 2019 Mountain Brook Men’s Golf State Championship.
“I oversee the daily operations of our athletic department, working closely with head coaches, assistant coaches and athletic staff,” Boren said. “What I enjoy most about my role is being immersed in the world of high school athletics. High school sports represent the last true form of education-based athletics, and I believe the lessons we teach can profoundly impact students, helping to shape their futures.”
Boren earned his Master of Education from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2019 and is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership Program at the University of West Alabama.
From 2012 to 2017, Boren returned to Faulkner as an assistant football coach, serving as offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. During his time on staff, Faulkner football captured conference championships in 2013 and 2014. As offensive coordinator in 2015, Boren helped lead the team to its highest national ranking in program history at No. 3. Under his leadership, the team set numerous offensive records, many of which still stand today.
Prior to his role at Prattville, Boren led Montevallo High School’s athletic programs as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. There, he oversaw significant milestones, including the addition of women’s wrestling and flag football programs, along with $250,000 in facility upgrades. Montevallo’s football program also secured three consecutive winning seasons with seven or more victories under his leadership.
Boren’s connection to Faulkner is deeply personal as well. He met his wife, Amanda (Pence) Boren, during his time at the university. Amanda, who earned her Bachelor of Science in 2012 and Master of Education in 2016 from Faulkner, now serves as a physical education teacher at Prattville Primary School. The couple has three sons—Logan, Brayden and Conner—and are active members of the Prattville Church of Christ.
Reflecting on his time at Faulkner, Boren said his education shaped both his professional journey and his spiritual walk.
“I had a tremendous experience at Faulkner University. A core part of Faulkner’s mission statement—‘where every individual matters every day’—has resonated with me throughout my career,” he said. “I apply that philosophy in my own athletic programs because I believe it should be the primary motivation for anyone in education.”
He credits former Faulkner coaches Brent Barker and Steve Phillips as key mentors who modeled what it meant to lead with faith and integrity.
“Both were strong, athletically minded leaders who carried themselves as Christians in a manner that I now strive to emulate,” Boren said. “Even though I’ve worked in public education, I believe the way you carry yourself should always be noticeable. Seeing firsthand the impact of Christian coaches at Faulkner shaped how I approach my work in K-12 athletics.”
Boren also served as a student assistant coach for Faulkner’s inaugural football team in 2007 while competing as a member of the golf team.
His time at Faulkner, both as a student-athlete and coach, continues to influence his leadership style today, grounded in faith, service, and a commitment to young people.
