For Nimitz Girls Track & Field Head Coach Jarryd Gray, the sport is about more than just winning races -- it's about creating opportunities.
As a former collegiate athlete himself, Gray understands firsthand how track can open doors, and his mission is to instill that same mindset in his athletes.
“I’m trying to instill a sense of secondary opportunity,” Gray said. “The idea is that we can shine in high school, but my goal is to ask, ‘What can you do after that?’ These four years will go by quicker than you might expect, and the real world will hit you quickly. So, I’m trying to help them understand that and provide them with the opportunity to run in college, just like I did.”
Gray’s journey started at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, Texas, before earning a scholarship to Prairie View A&M University.
His experiences as a collegiate athlete now shape the way he coaches at Nimitz, where he emphasizes not just physical preparation, but also mental resilience.
“Giving them confidence has been a huge part of what I want them to gain,” he said. “They know they’re good, but some of them lack the confidence to go out there and show that each week. So, I try to give them a little bit of my story, but I’m not one of those coaches who tries to live their legacy through their athletes. It’s all about them now and how they can stay consistent with their craft on a daily basis.”
Gray’s path to coaching wasn’t a direct one.
After completing his track career, he initially worked in the oil fields—a common industry in Houston—but quickly realized his true passion lay elsewhere.
“After my track career, I went into the oil fields since we’re in Houston and that’s what they’re partially known for,” Gray said. “But I didn’t feel like that was my passion. So, I got into teaching and coaching, even though I kind of ran from it, because my dad was a teacher for over 30 years. Initially, I didn’t think I would be the one to follow in his footsteps, but I soon realized that this was my passion. I love track, and I’m going to make sure that these kids get 1,000% every day.”
That dedication is evident in the way he pushes his athletes, not just to perform at a high level but to believe in themselves and see track & field as a pathway to future success.
Under his leadership, the Nimitz girls’ program continues to grow, with student-athletes gaining not only competitive experience but also the confidence to take their talents beyond high school.
For Gray, the victories on the track are important, but the real reward is seeing his athletes embrace their potential—both in competition and in life.