Calabasas High School has announced the hiring of Brittney Gray as the new head coach of the girls’ flag football program. Gray, who currently serves as the school’s Online Learning Coordinator, brings years of coaching experience and a lifelong athletic background to student-athletes both on and off the field.

Gray has been a member of the Calabasas High School staff since 2016. Before moving to California, she competed in basketball, softball, football, volleyball, track, and cross country while growing up in Ohio. She later coached high school track and cross country programs for six years before focusing on education.

Gray expressed excitement about returning to coaching and helping grow one of California’s fastest-rising sports.

“Flag football is growing at lightning speed, opening up amazing new collegiate scholarship pathways for female athletes, and I cannot wait to help build a thriving, competitive program here at Calabasas,” Gray said.

Athletic Director Thomas Cassidy said Gray’s combination of coaching experience, football knowledge, and familiarity with the school made her a strong candidate for the position.

“She has a lot of coaching experience in a few different sports, and she also grew up playing football, so she has a background with the sport,” Cassidy said. “Obviously, she’s worked at our school for a long time, so she has a great feel for our campus, our culture, and dynamic. I think she will fit well with the players.”

Assistant Principal David Pickard also pointed out Gray’s connection with students as one of the qualities that stood out during the hiring process.

“She has this drive that is going to really bring something new and exciting to our girls’ flag football program,” Pickard said. 

As flag football continues to expand across California, athletic administration hopes Gray can help establish a strong foundation for the program’s future.

Cassidy emphasized that success will be measured by more than wins and losses.

“I hope she establishes and runs a well-disciplined program that the players will thrive in, enjoy, work hard in, and work toward getting better,” Cassidy said.

Pickard shared his goals for the team, noting the importance of continuing to build excitement around the sport.

“I hope that there is an increase in participation in the team and excitement around the flag football team,” Pickard said. “Girls’ flag football is a growing sport nationwide, and I want to make sure that here in Calabasas, we’re keeping up with that trend and that we stay competitive within the flag football world.”

Cassidy also pointed to Gray’s determination as one of her greatest strengths.

Assistant Athletic Director Christopher Martinez said Gray’s enthusiasm for returning to coaching stood out throughout the hiring process.

“She was one of the first people to contact us about the position,” Martinez said. “I think she’s just excited to get back into coaching and really make a difference here in the athletics world.”

Martinez added that Gray’s existing relationships with students could help ease the transition into the new role.

“A lot of the kids already know her since she is a teacher here,” Martinez said. “She’s a familiar face, and with this semi-new sport, it’ll be nice to have some of those girls feel comfortable being around here.”

Both athletic directors highlighted Gray’s ability to connect with students as one of the qualities that will make her successful as a coach.

 “She knows how to get through to players. Her best quality is the ability to relate to students and make sure they have what they need to be successful,” Martinez said.

Pickard also explained Gray’s ability to motivate athletes.

“I think her best quality as a coach is her ability to inspire and to get kids really fired up about being a part of the program, but also being competitive,” Pickard said.

Cassidy noted that Gray’s focus on student-athletes extends beyond competition.

“I think the fact that she’ll be very invested in them not only as players, but as people, and care for them, and really try to do what’s best for them,” Cassidy said.

Martinez also believes Gray’s commitment to building relationships will help establish a strong culture within the program.

“One of the things she said was that she really wants to build a fun team culture,” Martinez said. “The girls are out there playing for each other, not just to win. Eventually, the wins will come, but I’m excited to see those girls bond and build that culture for the program.”

Sophomore flag football player Katherine Hoffmann said she is excited to learn from Gray and see how the program develops under her guidance.

“I’m excited to have a new coach, and I’m excited to see what she’s gonna teach us,” Hoffmann said.

Looking ahead to the fall season, Hoffmann hopes the team can continue improving and build on last year’s foundation.

“I probably get to play with the girls again, maybe do a little bit better than we did last season,” Hoffmann said.

Another flag football player, Devin Lee, said the coaching change brings optimism for the team’s future.

“I’m really excited that the school is gonna have another chance to play flag,” Lee said. “I’m really excited that the girls will get a new experience, a new coach. I’m excited to see what she can bring to the school and how the school is gonna react to that.”

Lee said she is eager to see new athletes join the program and contribute their talents next season.

“I’m just really excited for new girls to come in,” Lee said. “I’m excited to see new faces and see the talent that they bring.”

She also expressed hope that the team can reach a milestone next season.

“I’m hopefully excited for our first win,” Lee said.

With a coach who brings both athletic experience and a deep connection to the Calabasas community, the team is optimistic about the future of CHS flag football in the upcoming year.