COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – The Gretna community and the broader high school athletics world are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of David “Digger” Hawkins, the former head soccer coach who led Gretna High School to a state championship. Hawkins, known for his fierce competitiveness, mentorship, and commitment to youth sports, died early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash.
The fatal accident occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Iowa Highway 92, just east of Council Bluffs. According to the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Hawkins was driving a 2021 Mercedes sedan when the vehicle veered across the center line and left the roadway. Authorities say the car struck a ditch before overturning. Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and the incident remains under investigation.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through Nebraska and Iowa’s soccer communities, where Hawkins was a well-known and respected figure. Nicknamed “Digger” by players and colleagues, he was more than just a coach—he was a mentor, motivator, and father figure to hundreds of student-athletes over his career.
Hawkins rose to local prominence during his tenure at Gretna High School, where he served as head coach of the boys’ varsity soccer team. Under his leadership, the team achieved multiple postseason appearances, culminating in a state championship victory that remains one of the school’s proudest athletic achievements. His coaching style—marked by discipline, grit, and genuine care—earned him admiration not only from his players but also from rival coaches, school staff, and the greater community.
Even after stepping down from his coaching duties, Hawkins remained active in youth sports programs, often volunteering his time with club teams, youth clinics, and local initiatives that supported underserved athletes. He was known for spotting potential in students who others may have overlooked and pushing them to believe in themselves.
Born and raised in Nebraska, Hawkins had a lifelong love for soccer, which he carried with him as both a player and coach. Off the field, he was described as quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and deeply proud of his family and roots. Friends say he was the type of person who could walk into any room and light it up with energy, humor, and an unmistakable passion for life.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, where former players, friends, and colleagues have shared stories, photos, and words of remembrance.
Hawkins is survived by family members, including his children, who he often spoke of with immense pride. Memorial service details will be announced in the coming days.
In honoring his legacy, many have suggested establishing a youth scholarship or field dedication in his name—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to the sport and the students he loved.
As the community grapples with this loss, one thing is clear: David “Digger” Hawkins will not be forgotten. His lessons—on the field and in life—will continue to shape the players and people he inspired for years to come.