WATTS, CA – Verbum Dei Jesuit High School proudly announces the appointment of Gary Parks ‘91, an accomplished football coach and a distinguished alumnus, as the new Head Football Coach. A celebrated leader both on and off the field, Coach Parks brings an impressive track record of athletic excellence, academic mentorship, and community engagement.

A 2006 CIF Champion coach with Verbum Dei, Gary Parks returns to his alma mater with over a decade of transformative leadership experience. Most recently, as the Head Coach at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School, Parks led the program to undefeated league championships in 2022 and 2023. Under his leadership, student-athletes excelled not only in competition but also academically, with structured study sessions and accountability systems that emphasized success in the classroom.

“Gary’s dedication to developing young men who excel as scholars, athletes, and leaders perfectly aligns with Verbum Dei’s mission to cultivate ‘men for others,’” said Fr. Travis Russell, S.J., President of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School. “His passion for student achievement, his proven ability to build winning teams rooted in discipline and integrity, and his deep faith make him the ideal leader for our football program.”

In addition to his football accolades, Coach Parks has been a dedicated mentor, educator, and advocate for student success. His previous roles as Athletic Director, Campus Safety Coordinator, and his current position as Senior Pastor of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church exemplify his unwavering commitment to fostering student development and strengthening community ties.

“I’m honored to return to Verbum Dei, a place that shaped me as a student-athlete and as a man,” said Parks. “My goal is to build a program that honors our rich history while inspiring excellence, character, and resilience in our students. Together, we will usher in a new era of Verbum Dei football.”

As the Verbum Dei football program prepares for its exciting future, the school invites the community to join in celebrating Coach Parks’ homecoming and supporting the continued growth of its athletics.