Parker Dildy, Sports Reporter
Trinity Christian Academy has started the new school year with a wave of new coaches and talent across the school, bringing new leadership, strategies, and excitement to campus. With the addition of new coaches, athletes say that the changes are already shaping the culture in the weight room, on the practice field, and throughout TCA. The new coaches come from a variety of backgrounds and bring years of experience to their teams.
Coaches Mattox, Ravelo, and Grigsby have already had a big impact on the culture and game plans of the football team. Students noticed their impact soon after they arrived on campus. Junior Brogan Chapman, the starting middle linebacker for the football team this year, said of the new coaches, “He seems he really tries to push you and try to get the best out of you.” Brogan says the coaching changes have had a big impact on him and the way he plays football.
The new coaches have also noticed a difference in TCA’s culture compared to other schools where they have worked. Coach Ravelo has been coaching for six years and previously coached at Nolan Catholic, where he was the defensive line coach and head JV coach. He said the biggest difference between TCA and his previous school is “the family feel and just the culture of just how everybody is connected and everybody supports everything.” Coach Mattox has been coaching for 27 years and also previously coached at Nolan Catholic. He said, “TCA has got a nice family culture, the kids want to work hard and that’s the product of the culture.” Coach Grigsby had retired from coaching but missed the game of football and decided to return to the game at TCA. He has coached for 31 years and last coached at Eden ISD, where he was the athletic director and head football coach. He said, “Since I come from public school, the culture is really different, kids are friendly and they’re receptive.”
The new staff has not only changed the football team but has also brought new leadership to the cheer team. New coach Baylee Perez has already had an impact on the cheer team, including the way they practice and show school spirit at different sporting events. Junior Addi Gober said, “She is really funny and she pushes us to do our best during practices to get us ready for when we cheer.” Coach Perez was previously the head cheer coach at Olney High School and is now the head cheer coach at TCA, where she oversees all of the cheer programs for the Eagles.
Coach Perez has also noticed the difference in TCA’s culture since arriving on campus. She said, “The culture at TCA is on a whole different level. Seeing the amount of love and dedication the staff pours into the students and athletes honestly gives me chills. I’ve felt welcomed from the moment I stepped foot on campus.” She also said that what makes TCA special is “the way Christ is at the center of everything, from the relationships we build to the way we encourage and support one another.”
The new coaches have already made an impact on TCA athletics through their experience, leadership, and different coaching styles. While they are helping students become better athletes and pushing them to do their best, the coaches are also experiencing what makes TCA different. From football to cheer, the new coaches are becoming part of the culture and community that make TCA a special place to be.