Savannah Sannes is an ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Centennial High School for AZPreps365.com 

PEORIA — For Centennial High School’s Kevin McCausland, coaching has always been about more than wins and losses. It’s about connection and the chance to build something lasting from the ground up.

Before McCausland became the face of Centennial’s first-ever AIA girls flag football team, he was a baseball coach at La Joya Community High School. His journey into flag football wasn’t something he planned, but an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

“When I was working at Quentin STEM Academy teaching science, I got an opportunity from a friend who was close with La Joya’s head coach,” McCausland said. 

“I’ve been there for two years now. Last year, we won region champs for the first time in La Joya baseball history. It’s been an amazing experience. The players there have a lot of heart.”

McCausland’s success in baseball caught the attention of Centennial athletic director Darien Schoolcraft, who approached him about leading the newly recognized varsity flag football program this fall. 

For McCausland, it was a chance to build something new and empower a group of young athletes eager to compete.

“I took this as an opportunity to build a brand new program and build it from the ground up,” he said.

Though McCausland came into the role with years of coaching experience, transitioning from boys baseball to girls flag football required adjustment. But he said the lessons he’s learned from his players have made him a better coach overall.

“I have two daughters, so at first I was talking to the girls the way I’d talk to my own kids,” McCausland said. 

“One day I asked, ‘What can I do to be a better coach for you?’ and they told me, ‘Treat us like you would treat the boys.’ That really stuck with me.”

La Joya baseball head coach Bryan Maxwell, who worked closely with McCausland, said his leadership style makes him effective no matter the sport.

“I would describe Kevin’s coaching style as more of a player’s coach,” Maxwell said. “He builds relationships and trust while keeping a team-first mindset. The kids absolutely love him.”

Maxwell said McCausland’s strength lies in his old-school work ethic and his ability to make players feel seen.

“The fact that he takes time to build relationships with the players is huge for the program,” Maxwell said.

 “I wasn’t surprised when he took on girls' flag football, being the dad of two girls himself, it just seemed like a perfect fit.”

At Centennial, assistant coach Adam Ortiz said McCausland has already helped establish a family-first culture that sets the tone for the team’s future.

“McCausland is a very laid-back guy, but when the game starts, his intensity shoots up,” Ortiz said.

 “He always makes it a point to preach family and caring for each teammate. His connection to the players is outstanding.”

Ortiz said that even without a football background, McCausland’s open-minded approach and willingness to learn have helped the program grow quickly.

“He’s very open to ideas,” Ortiz said. “He takes drills from different sports and makes them his own. He does a great job coaching athleticism and holding players accountable.”

As the Coyotes continue their first official season, McCausland said watching his players succeed has been the most rewarding part.

“When we have success, you can see it in the players,” he said. “The hard work starts to come together, and the girls are proud of that. Being able to witness their growth has been amazing.”

From regional championships in baseball to the foundation of a brand-new sport at Centennial, McCausland’s coaching journey shows that leadership isn’t about the game; it’s about the people who play it.