News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TC 7/19/17

July 19, 2017

Taft College Hires Head Women's Softball Coach/Adjunct Professor

Taft College is excited to have Gabrielle (Gaby) Brixey join the West Kern Community College District as the Head Women's Softball Coach and Adjunct Professor for the upcoming academic year. Gaby will be responsible for all aspects of the softball program, and will have a teaching assignment in the disciplines of Physical Education, Business and/or Management. 

Gabrielle holds a master's degree in Business Administration from Ottowa University and a master's degree in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University.  Immediately prior to accepting the position at Taft College, Gabrielle has been an adjunct instructor and assistant softball coach at West Hills College, Coalinga.   Gaby has experience in teaching Business and computer science courses as well.  Prior to West Hills College, Gabrielle worked in community relations for the Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey team and as a Sports Information Director intern while at Simmons College in Boston MS.  She will be bringing these skills along with her coaching skills to Taft College. 

Gabrielle also brings with her community college experience.  Not only has she served as the assistant softball coach at West Hills College, Coalinga, she is going into her second year as the Administrative Assistant for the California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association (CCCFCA).

Gabrielle states, "I am so thankful for this opportunity to help promote, develop and guide these student athletes into their future.  I am looking forward to growing this program not only for Taft College but being able to collaborate with the local community."

"Our Athletic Department is very focused on the success of our athletes both academically and athletically.  They are a model of student success with providing coaching, mentoring and intrusive meaningful contact," says Severo Balason, Vice President of Student Services. "The proactive program motivates and assists student-athletes to make successful transitions to college life, achievement and maintaining satisfactory level of academic performance.  Gabrielle's coaching philosophy directly aligns with our department and mission, and will allow us to continue our tradition of athletic excellence. Go Cougars!"

Kanoe Bandy, Athletic Director, also shares, "I am very excited to have Gabrielle join our coaching staff.  I believe with her coaching experience and her passion she will be able to make an immediate impact on our student athletes and on the program.  I have also had the opportunity to work with Gabrielle in the classroom while teaching in the area of Business.  She is going to be a great asset to our program and to Taft College."

Taft College is part of the Central Valley Athletic Conference, with the average sport offerings being 10 sports per college. The TC Athletic Department provides opportunities for students to participate in several other intercollegiate sports programs. Men may participate in Baseball, Golf and Soccer; and Women may participate in Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Golf, and Volleyball. Sport programs teach student athletes the value of discipline, loyalty, hard work, good health and good sportsmanship. 

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For more information, please contact, Kanoe Bandy at kbandy@taftcollege.edu or (661) 763-7779.