NPHS’ Sports Administration supports student athletes
Regardless of sport, every athlete has a unique experience. From water polo to basketball, each sports season tells a story of camaraderie and teamwork beyond the bounds of the sport. The athletic department here at Newbury Park High School [NPHS] allows students to form friendships and grow their abilities within their sports through leadership and management.
Since August 2023, Ethan Gray has been the assistant principal of athletics for NPHS, a job where he not only helps with sports programs but also where he can connect with each and every student athlete. Gray’s responsibilities include hiring coaches for every team, ensuring that each team receives its proper funding, working alongside every booster program and many more unseen practices that allow for sports to take place. “Being a part of a team is more than you, yourself. All [NPHS students] are leaders. The goal for you from us is to get better every day,” Gray said.
Going into his sixteenth year as athletic coordinator, Jason Klein has enjoyed being able to positively impact student athletes. “A lot of my job has to do with logistical stuff and clearances, [but] what I really enjoy is seeing [student athletes] do what [they] love doing. That’s the best part of [my job],” Jason Klein said. Jason Klein emphasizes the importance of athletes showing up every day, inside and out of the classroom, to care for fellow students, not only teammates.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Jack Klein, senior, fuels his passion for sports by volunteering his time to help with the prosperity of sporting events. Jack Klein has played baseball for 14 years and has played all four years at NPHS, which was made possible by the athletic department. “I’d recommend more students to join sports because it builds a family environment. I’ve loved playing for [the baseball team] all four years and it’s made baseball feel like a second home,” Jack Klein said.
Growing up playing baseball, even from a young age, Gray has been passionate about sports. Gray believes one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is being able to watch NPHS’ student athletes grow and mature over their time in high school, just as he once did. “[Student athletes improve] their skills, but really more so in their leadership and character, how they hold themselves and how they role model for the younger athletes,” Gray said.
