Van Paker joined the Nebraska-Kearney football program in the fall of 2022 and servers as a graduate assistant coach in charge of the outside wide receivers.
He saw redshirt senior Cody Nelson have a big second-half of the fall to end up with 12 catches for 254 yards and a team-best four touchdowns. Subsequently, he was named All-MIAA. Next, true sophomore Zorian Stanton had a team-best 13 catches with senior Xavier Delk having 107 yards and two scores in UNK's run-based offense.Â
Most recently, Parker was head football coach at his prep alma mater, Muskegon Heights (Michigan) High School. He was tabbed as the 2021 Michigan Division Coach of the Year and the Media Division 5-8 Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons.
When Parker took over in the summer of 2018 the squad consisted of 15 players, eight being freshmen. He still had five all-conference and four all-area players that fall and then built up the program up over the next few seasons, despite the COVID interruption. Parker also re-started the middle school football team with the Tigers earning a win the 2021 playoffs, having an all-state quarterback and setting numerous school records.
A former standout quarterback and receiver at NAIA William Penn University (Oskaloosa, Ia.), Parker served as GA for the Statesmen for one season. He coached the receivers and punt/kick returners and recruited in 11 states. WPU went 7-4 in 2017 and was ranked 24th in the county. Previously, Parker was a student assistant coach for the program.Â
Prior to returning to William Penn, Parker was Assistant Offensive Coordinator and quarterback/receivers/defensive backs coach for the professional Pilsen Patriots in the Czech Republic. He also led the kick/punt returners and started a women’s squad. The Pats finished third overall, the women’s squad won the league title with Pilsen leading the league in passing and receiver yards.
After being team MVP at MHHS, Parker was a cornerback for Pasadena (Calif.) City College and started as a true freshman in 2010. A few years later, he transferred to WPU where he was tabbed all-conference at both receiver and QB and also was a standout on special teams. His play helped the Statesmen win a 2016 league title. The following summer, his career continued as he was the starting QB for the Pilsen Patriots. Â
He holds Sports Administration degree from William Penn as well as a Master’s in Business Leadership.
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