March 5, 2026 — Three months after the last play of Campbell’s flag football season, Athletic Director Phillip Howard found a way to improve the program. In early February, Kendra Pleasants was named the new head coach.
“When I started the search for a new coach,” AD Howard explained, “I wanted someone serious about flag football, respected the sport, had a passion for coaching it, and came from a winning culture. Then, I wanted them to replicate that winning culture here at Campbell.”
To do that, the Spartans AD turned to a coach new to the school but not new to him. In fact, he had hired Coach Pleasants to the same position at their previous school, where she had incredible success in building a program. As the flag football coach in a neighboring county, she won three straight region championships and four Coach of the Year awards. She led her team to three straight State Championship appearances and won the title in 2022 with an 18-0 record.
“I watched her build that powerhouse from the ground up,” Campbell’s AD recalled. “I was there for the 18-0 State Championship run, so I knew she understood what it takes to win at the highest level in flag football. Hiring Coach Pleasants as our next head coach was an easy choice for me. Many would say it was a no-brainer.”
Coach Pleasants inherits a program that went 8-9 in its inaugural season in 2025. To get to know her better, the new Spartans head coach took part in a Q&A that reveals many of the reasons she is an excellent choice to lead Campbell to new heights.
Question: You have experience building a flag football powerhouse. What are the foundational principles that you believe will allow you to help the Campbell flag football program grow and sustain success?
Answer: Success starts with discipline and work ethic. I keep things simple. Development and consistency will always be our foundation. The talent is already here at Campbell. It’s about putting it together with structure, accountability, and shared values. When we commit to daily habits and high standards, I believe we can compete with anyone.
Question: What is the central theme on which you plan to build the new Campbell culture?
Answer: Our culture will be built on the mindset of “Brick by Brick.” Nothing we accomplish will be rushed or handed to us. We will build this program intentionally, through discipline, preparation, and daily habits. Every workout, every practice, every rep adds another brick. Over time, those bricks become the foundation of something strong and sustainable.
Question: The Campbell program is still in its early stages. What excites you most about building something here, and what will be your immediate priorities in Year One?
Answer: What excites me most is the buzz around the number of girls who want to be a part of flag football. The Campbell community is supportive, and that gives us momentum. I’ve spent time walking the halls, building relationships, encouraging multi-sport athletes, supporting them in their seasons, and inviting them to be part of a sport that’s on the rise. In Year One, the priority is structure, establishing our JV and Varsity identities, strengthening fundamentals, and aligning our talent with our values so we can build this the right way.
Question: Your resume features region titles, State Championship appearances, and an undefeated State title run. How do you translate that championship experience into daily habits for your athletes?
Answer: Championships are built in the grind that no one applauds. Championships aren’t handed out for participation or by simply showing up. They’re earned beyond the comfort zone. At Campbell, that will start with habits: film study, perfecting your craft, being on time, finishing drills, supporting teammates, and staying consistent even when it’s not exciting. It’s the offseason grind, summer workouts, camps, team bonding events, and the daily commitment to outwork yesterday. Doing those things consistently will result in success.
Question: Campbell competes in a region with established powers. How do you approach the challenge of elevating a program in a competitive landscape?
Answer: We respect strong programs, but we don’t fear them. Competition elevates everyone. My focus won’t be on who we’re playing; it will be on how we prepare. If we commit to discipline, consistency, and daily improvement, I believe we can compete with anyone. Our job is to raise our standard, and the rest will take care of itself.
Question: Beyond wins and championships, what do you want people to understand about your coaching philosophy and the type of culture you aim to create?
Answer: My coaching philosophy goes beyond wins and losses. It’s about confidence, discipline, and growth. I want our athletes to leave this program stronger than when they arrived, mentally and emotionally. We’re building young women who can lead, compete, and carry themselves with pride. Whether that prepares them for the collegiate level or for life itself, the goal is the same: they leave here better than when they arrived.
Question: Is there anything else you would want the district to know about who Coach Pleasants is?
Answer: I’m a family person. I’m a mother to an 11-year-old daughter who looks up to me. She is my why. I see her in the athletes I coach, which makes me more than just a coach. They instantly become my extended family. Female sports are changing the game, and I’m proud to be part of that movement. My daughter sees the work ethic, the late nights, and the excitement that sports bring into our home, and her support — along with her drive to one day be even better than the athletes I coach — makes every sacrifice worth it. I care deeply about student development, and I believe athletics should enhance the school experience. I’m here to build something meaningful at Campbell, not just something competitive.
h/t photos provided by Campbell High School
