ForAlexis Price, a life in sports wasn't even a choice—it was already hardwired in her DNA. With a father in the golf industry, a mother promoting women in that sport, and a brother who played professionally on the PGA Tour Canada, athletics were part of the family fabric. Her deep connection to the world of sports helped shape an impressive career that recently earned her the title ofFemale Athletic Director of the Year, as recognized by theCalifornia Coaches Association. This prestigious statewide distinction places her among the best of the best in high school athletics and shines a light on the impact she’s made through her leadership, passion, and care for her athletes.Long before Coach Price stepped into an athletic director’s office, she was a standout athlete in her own right. She excelled in golf and softball, and found great fulfillment in the different ways each sport challenged her. But when she began high school at Mater Dei, she was told she had to choose just one to focus on. That moment stuck with her. “It opened my eyes to how limiting it can be when young people aren’t given the chance to explore everything they’re capable of,” she said. Today, that moment shapes how she leads and is at the core of her commitment to providing student-athletes multiple opportunities so they can follow their passions as well as try new things.Ultimately, she chose golf over softball—a decision that led to a Division I scholarship toCal Poly San Luis Obispo. Knowing she wanted to stay connected to athletics in some way, she pursued an internship with a local NBC affiliate to explore sports broadcasting as a possible career path. Yet even then, her heart was drawn to something more lasting—creating space for young athletes to learn, lead, and succeed.After graduating from Cal Poly, Coach Price began coaching youth golf—an intentional step toward what she already knew she wanted to do: invest in the development of young athletes. That passion led her to a position atPacifica Christian High School, and eventually,Fairmont Prep. After four years of dividing her time at the Prep between coaching and teaching, she assumed the position ofAthletic Director. The 2024-25 school year marked her sixth year in that capacity.Many things have changed over the course of her six years at the helm.Husky athleticshas grown demonstrably in both breadth and stature. During Coach Price’s tenure, two new sports,esportsandfencing, have been added to the program, and another one,girls flag football, is slated for the fall. And while championships and individual honors have long been part of the Husky athletic tradition, they’ve become almost commonplace in recent years—a reflection of the program’s rising profile and the strength of its leadership, coaching, and student-athlete development.For instance, the 2024–25 school year alone has been filled with an abundance of standout moments across multiple sports. Here are the Husky highlights to date (before spring sports results):Girls golfSan Joaquin League ChampionsGirls tennisSan Joaquin League ChampionsSan Joaquin League Singles Champion |Cameron KangSan Joaquin League Doubles Champions |Melo JingandSophia PatelGirls soccerSan Joaquin League ChampionsSan Joaquin League Player of the Year |Camarin ChoiGirls basketballSan Joaquin League ChampionsSan Joaquin League Player of the Year |Adyra RajanSan Joaquin League Coach of the Year |Josh LozanoCIF Semi-FinalistAll CIF Southern Section Open Division |Adyra RajanBoys basketballCIF-SS Division 2AA ChampionsAll CIF Southern Section Division 2AA Player of the Year |David AbisogunAll CIF Southern Section Division 2AA Coach of the Year |Joedy GardnerAll CIF Southern Section Division 2AA Selection |Marcus FernandezSan Joaquin League ChampionsSan Joaquin League Player of the Year |David AbisogunJohn Wooden Player of the Year for CIF-SS Division 2 |David AbisogunEsportsCIF Semi-FinalistTop 7 in the StateBoys tennisSan Joaquin League Singles Champion |MatthewFencingSoCal Scholastic League Men’s Saber ChampionsSoCal Scholastic League Men’s Saber Individual Champion |Oliver CaoSoCal Scholastic League Event Men’s Foil Champion |Lucas LinSo Cal Scholastic League Event Men’s Saber Champion |Henry LiSo Cal Scholastic League Event Women’s Saber Champion |Dora ZhangIce hockeyAnaheim Ducks High School Hockey League ChampionsCalifornia State ChampionsUSA National FinalistCoach Price believes that athletics should be a place of possibility for all students. Drawing from her own high school experience of having to choose between two sports she loved, she is driven to make the Prep’s program as accessible and flexible as possible. “Not everyone is going to play at the next level—but every student should have the chance to try something new, to enjoy being part of a team, or to grow through the experience. And for those with the talent and drive to compete at a high level, I’ll always support them playing more than one sport if that’s what they love,” she said.Her commitment to opportunity and excellence is born out in these impressive numbers: more than half of the entire Prep student body participates in at least one sport, and 11% of senior athletes have signed commitments to compete at the collegiate or semi-professional level. She is equally passionate about encouraging students on a personal level—meeting them where they are, and helping them believe in what’s possible.She knows the power of having someone in your corner because she experienced it herself. While at Cal Poly SLO, she began laying the groundwork for a nonprofit to advance women in sports, and it was through that effort that she connected with golf legendJudy Rankin, who became a mentor. “Judy became a powerful and supportive mentor, sharing her wisdom and insights to encourage my advocacy for women in sports and champion greater inclusion for women in the golf industry,” she said.That kind of encouragement stayed with her and reminded her just how powerful it is to have someone who believes in you and helps you find your way—something she sees as one of the greatest strengths of the coaching staff at the Prep. “Our students are incredibly fortunate to have coaches who do more than run practices and call plays. They show up, listen, and help students grow into confident, capable versions of themselves.”Clearly, CoachAlexis Priceis worthy of the prestigious honor of being named California’sFemale Athletic Director of the Year. But accolades aren’t what drive her. Instead, she is motivated by the remarkable Prep athletes and coaches, whom she feels privileged to work with. And judging by their words, the feeling is mutual:“This honor doesn't surprise me because of all the hard work Coach Price puts into her job and the way she always puts her coaches, admin, teachers, and student-athletes first. I have already told her she is the best AD I have had the joy to work with and alongside since she was hired to lead us forward. I mean this. I have been working with ADs for over 30 years, and she is the best! She makes everyone's job easier because she is always on it and ready to serve.”Coach Joedy Gardner, three-time CIF-SS winning boys basketball coach, recipient of multiple Coach of the Year awards, and legendary player development coach“Coach Price is one of the best coaches I’ve ever met. She has been more than a coach to me; she has also been like a mother to me because she is always there for me whenever I need her help with anything, always positive and smiling. She gives the best advice on not only sport-related things, but also school-related things. Coach Alexis Price has always been the best, and I'm so proud of her achievement in winning the Athletic Director of the Year. She truly deserves it.”David Abisogun, All CIF-SS 2AA Boys Basketball Player of the Year, John Wooden High School Player of the Year“Coach Lexie has been such a positive and inspiring presence in my life over the past four years. As both a coach and athletic director, she’s always been incredibly supportive, uplifting, and kind—like a second mom to so many of us. Coach Lexie has not only told me words I needed to hear before critical moments, like my official visit to USC, but she's also never failed to have my back and guide me through life beyond school and sports. I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance and belief in me. She leads with heart, always puts her athletes first, and is someone I’ve always been able to count on—that’s why she’s more than deserving of Athletic Director of the Year. Congratulations, Coach, thank you for everything you do for us.”Chloe Kim, CIF-SS champion golfer, committed to play at USCOf course, Coach Price would be the first to say there is no way she could have accomplished this alone. She’s deeply grateful for the two biggest cheerleaders in her corner—her husband,Phil, Athletic Director and Director of Fairmont Athletic Academy atFairmont SJC, andCarolyn Lucia, Head of School at Fairmont Prep. “Phil is my biggest advocate and supporter, always believing in me, encouraging me through every challenge, and celebrating my successes. Carolyn guides me with wisdom and empowers me to reach my full potential, consistently supporting me with encouragement and trust.” That kind of belief coming from people who know her so well has been invaluable and propelled her to a place where she can lead boldly, inspire deeply, and help redefine what excellence in high school athletics looks like.
