Gila Ridge names Jessica Slaughter as new football head coach

Slaughter is the third female varsity football coach in the history of Arizona

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Gila Ridge High School has a new football coach.

On Thursday, the Yuma Union High School District said Jessica Slaughter is the new head varsity football coach. Slaughter has been an assistant with the Gila Ridge program for the past four seasons.

“Jessica has been the freshman coach for three years, and last year she was the varsity defensive line coach,” GRHS Athletic Director Joe Kapugia said. “She also has head coaching experience with the track team here at Gila Ridge. We are excited for her and what she can bring to the program.”

“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. As a program, my coaches and I will build and guide student-athletes who relentlessly pursue victory on the field and in the classroom. I've been fortunate to work with the coaching staff for the past four years. Their expertise and dedication to the program is second to none. We will continue to build strong relationships with our athletes and help to push them to pursue their goals on and off the field. I am excited for the future of Gila Ridge football and look forward to a great season."