Reid Family Gift Lights Up MMA Soccer Field for Cadets

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) soccer has been a shining light for Colonels athletics these past few years. And it’s going to get even brighter when lights are installed on Colonels Field this year, supported by a gift from MMA parents David and Jessica Reid of Muskegon, Michigan, whose son, Drake, is a high school sophomore at the Academy.

“This transformational enhancement to the soccer program will expand competition time, on-campus tournament opportunities and cadet development,” says MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “This is what support makes possible for cadets. We are grateful to the Reid family for this gift.”

Drake is the youngest of three children in the Reid family, who hold a legacy of more than six decades in family business. David Reid is an airline pilot, flying Boeing 737s for Southwest Airlines, and has shared his life for 20 years with his wife, Jessica, a devoted stay-at-home mother to their three children and two beloved dogs. Their eldest daughter, Emilia, is a college sophomore, and Addison, their middle daughter, is a high school senior preparing to begin her college journey in fall 2026.

Cadet Reid, in his first year at the Academy, is an MMA Colonels soccer player who was on the junior varsity team this past season. After just one semester at MMA, it is clear to his parents that Drake has found a place where he can thrive.

“MMA has been a transformative experience for Drake,” says his father, David. “For Drake, MMA is more than just a school; it’s a sanctuary.”

Drake’s interest in military school began with a five-week summer camp in Alabama when he was 13. During the camp’s graduation weekend, he met Mike Koontz, MMA’s deputy director for enrollment management, as they enjoyed a long conversation about MMA and soccer. His interest in military school deepened when he returned to the Alabama camp for a winter break survival course. By the next spring, he was visiting MMA as a prospective cadet.

Drake entered MMA last fall as a member of the Class of 2028. There were some adjustments to be made and homesickness to get over, his father says, but by October the change in their son was apparent.

“Drake is now incredibly happy,” David says. “He declared to his mother during Parents Weekend that, ‘I wish I had left home sooner to come here.’ She thought that was a pretty profound statement.”

“It’s evident that what MMA is doing is working for him, and this place is undeniably special to him,” David says. “MMA holds significant meaning for Drake, and in turn, it means a great deal to us, his parents. We are immensely proud of the young man he is becoming.”

Missouri Military Academy, located in Mexico, Missouri, prepares young men in grades 7–12 and post-graduate year to take command of their lives through a 360° Education—serving cadets from across the United States and around the world.

The Reids credit much of their son’s growth this year to the Academy’s 360° Education.

“What truly sets MMA apart from other educational institutions is its comprehensive approach,” he adds. “At its core, MMA cultivates a highly structured learning environment, meticulously designed to foster academic growth while actively shielding cadets from the pervasive distractions of politics, social media and other extraneous topics. This unwavering focus ensures that each cadet’s educational journey is paramount, with dedicated resources and attention to meet their individual and academic needs.”

The Reids chose to support the Academy’s soccer program to help nurture the development of young talent. “Investing in the development of young athletes is paramount to sustaining a strong, competitive program year after year,” David Reid says. “It’s clear that when communities invest in their youth, the result is remarkable success.”

At MMA, every cadet participates in athletics as part of the Academy’s 360° Education, building discipline, confidence and leadership through regular physical activity, competition and teamwork.

MMA soccer player Avin Hernandez '25 drives the ball during the November 21, 2024, state play-off game against Valley Park. The Colonels finished as Class 1 state runner-up, highlighting the continued growth and success of the MMA soccer program.

The new lights on Colonels Field will enhance playing conditions for cadet-athletes, expand opportunities for athletic and soccer skills development and provide greater flexibility for use of Colonels Field, which serves as the soccer field and Academy parade field. Lights will also allow for more flexible scheduling and increased opportunities to host home games, including full junior varsity games, tournaments and district competition on campus, further enriching the cadet-athlete experience. Work on installing the lights will begin as soon as possible, with the goal of completion before the fall soccer season begins.

The Reids’ generosity creates new opportunities for cadets on the field and, alongside other generous donors, helps light up the journey and future of every MMA cadet. Their gift comes as MMA prepares for Maroon & Gold 2026, the Academy’s most significant fundraiser of the year, on April 18, 2026, where donor support plays a vital role in strengthening Academy programs, expanding opportunities and ensuring the Academy continues to deliver on its mission.