Blakeley’s B.T.S. Magic

For the past 16 years, Coach Brendan Blakeley has shaped the athletic culture at the School as Director of Athletics, making sports a dynamic part of student life.  A committed Bay Area sports community member, Blakeley oversees athletic logistics in the High School and teaches two sections of 8th-grade P.E. 

His dedication comes from a genuine passion for working with young people, as he notes, “I try to take very seriously…the impact those who work at high schools can have on students.”, He  stresses the importance of“creating interpersonal relationships with our students so that I can help them during their four years here or beyond.”

Blakeley’s role at the School is extensive, from organizing game schedules to ordering uniforms and managing transportation to away games. His responsibilities may be  behind-the-scene, but they are essential for making each game day a flawless experience. 

“If you think of everything that has to happen for a game to play, you have to get there, you have to have scheduled the game, you have to have officials, you have to have uniforms, you have to have the equipment, and you have to have a facility,” he expanded. His attention to detail ensures that athletes, fans, and coaches can focus on the excitement of the game rather than the logistics. 

However, his vision for the School’s athletic program extends beyond logistical planning. Recognizing the importance of leadership, Blakeley recently launched the Student-Athlete Leadership Council. He says, “We want our student-athletes to gain some insight into how to be a team captain.” Monthly coaches’ meetings also bring new and veteran coaches together, strengthening the School’s coaching community. 

Looking to the future, Blakeley is excited about expanding sports programs as the school’s enrollment increases. He claims, “I would like to think that means more kids who want to play sports. This will help as we are trying to revive programs like boys’ lacrosse.” Increased enrollment means an opportunity for more teams and a higher level of competition, which Blakeley is excited to start. He is also very invested in keeping good coaches, which is vital to a successful program. He said, “Last year, of our 19 varsity teams, 14 of them had head coaches who had been at Head-Royce for five years or more”. This stability allows coaches to know the kids, the facilities, where to get the keys, and how Blakeley wants Head-Royce athletics to operate. 

When asked if there is anything he would change about the job, Blakeley expressed his commitment to improving sportsmanship. He often discusses the importance of positive student behavior during games. He says, “Student behavior at games can go sideways really quickly, and then it becomes a much bigger issue.” Keeping the atmosphere positive not only represents the school well but also creates a supportive environment for all. 

“One of the things I like to say is that when we’re cheering, we want to cheer for our students and to cheer for our team, not against our opponents, keep the comments positive and not putting the opponent down,” Blakeley adds. 

From his days as a standout athlete at the School, Blakeley was on varsity soccer, baseball, and basketball. He was a three-time team MVP in baseball and averaged 20 points on varsity basketball. Blakeley knows the importance  of competition and community support as he continues to lead the School’s athletics program.