Gila Ridge High School has named Jessica Slaughter as its new head varsity football coach, becoming the first varsity female head coach for Gila Ridge and the Yuma Union High School District.
Slaughter becomes the third female varsity football coach in Arizona history according to the Arizona Interscholastic Association.
Slaughter previously served as the varsity defensive line coach for Gila Ridge after being the freshman football coach for three seasons.
“I am incredibly honored to have this opportunity to lead the Gila Ridge High School football program,” said Slaughter. “As an alumni of Gila Ridge, I have always wanted to see its programs succeed and I look forward to being a part of that continued success.”
Since varsity sports began in 2008 at Gila Ridge there have been seven varsity football coaches named and in that time the hawks have maintained a winning record advancing to the postseason three times.
The Hawks have recorded a 22-6 record over the past three seasons including a 11-2 run during the 2019 season where they advanced to the 4A Conference state semifinals.
