The passing of Coach Travis Pride

The following message was sent to Byron Nelson High School students, staff and families at 5:25 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, through ParentSquare.

Byron Nelson Bobcat families,

My heart breaks to share that we will no longer see the amazing impact one of our educators will have on students, as I’m deeply saddened to share that Travis Pride, head coach of our football program and campus athletic director, passed away unexpectedly.

For nearly a decade, Coach Pride has made a positive difference in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of students on our campus. While he led the football program, Coach Pride’s impact extended well beyond athletics or the students he coached. Coach Pride was a successful football coach, but I will remember him more for the engaging and supporting culture he has cultivated on our campus.

Joel Johnson, executive director of athletics for Northwest ISD, shared that Coach Pride was a leader who put the best interests of students ahead of the sport.

“When I think of Travis Pride, I think of someone who supported student activity, from athletic programs to fine arts,” he said. “Coach Pride lacked an ego when it came to the athletic programs at Byron Nelson. He wasn’t what you would picture as a head football coach, as he was an even-tempered leader who was a kid magnet – students wanted to be around him, because he cared about them.”

We know this is upsetting news to share, and your children may deal with a range of emotions. Please know we will have our counseling staff ready to assist any student who needs to process their emotions or simply needs someone to talk to. Counselors will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in the school front office to provide assistance to students in need, and additional support times will be provided next week.

Please keep the Pride family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve this tremendous loss. I would also respectfully ask that you provide the family with space and privacy for the time being. We will continue to uplift the Pride family and share details as the family deems appropriate.

Sincerely,
Kara Lea Deardorff, Principal
Byron Nelson High School