It’s no secret that the crowd’s focus is on the field. But what about the students beyond the sidelines that help these players be the best they can be?

Lake Belton student assistant coach Corbin Mock falls into that category. He might not be the one making game-changing plays, but he plays an integral part in the team’s success.

“I’ve never seen him have a bad day,” Broncos head coach Brian Cope said. “He’s always smiling. He’s always checking on me and I’m always checking on him. He always shows up and does what he can. The team needs to see that.”

Although Mock is known by his teammates and staff to never complain, he could easily wallow in self-pity based on his circumstances. He just chooses not to.

Mock was born with Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome, which is a condition where the thorax, meant to support respiration and the lungs, can’t grow on its own.

“In seventh grade, I knew I couldn’t play, but I knew I wanted to be around the sport,” Mock said. “So I was super excited when Coach Cope gave me the opportunity to be a coach for the team.”

Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome is extremely rare, and less than 4,000 children are born with this condition in America. Nonetheless, it is a severe condition that requires constant treatment.

Mock has had over 30 surgeries, but he never lets his condition limit him or hold him back.

“I have what I have, and I can’t change it,” he said. “Instead of focusing on it, I just keep my head up. Why sit here and complain?”

Not only does Mock hold an optimistic outlook on life, but his energy has proved to affect his team.

“He always has a smile on his face and wants to have a good day,” Coach Cope said. “His teammates see his attitude and passion and it affects the rest of the team.”

Aside from being a positive influence for the team, he is also very knowledgeable about the game.

“Corbin has an incredible mind when it comes to the game,” Former Lake Belton quarterback Conner Crews said. “He makes you think and see things differently on the field. He was able to calm us down in high-pressure situations. He was a good friend on and off the field.”

As Mock heads into his senior year with the Broncos, he wants them to take away and remember nothing but good things about him as a coach.

“I want them to remember me as someone who connected with them on a personal level,” Mock said. “Someone who was always nice to them.”