Pacifica Stories

Brendan Ward is in his third year of working at Pacifica, and has taken on more responsibility each year that he’s been here. He is currently our Varsity boy’s volleyball coach and Varsity girl’s volleyball assistant coach, in addition to teaching Anatomy & Physiology. Last year, he led our boy’s volleyball team to victory in the CIF Championships, and is making another run in the CIF Playoffs starting this week!

After studying exercise science at California Lutheran University, Brendan wanted to pursue coaching the sport that he loves. He came to Pacifica originally to coach the volleyball and soccer teams, but quickly fell into teaching and found that he really enjoys it and has a passion for that, too. Throughout these experiences, Brendan has learned that in life, you get out what you put in.

“One’s effort is the most important factor in determining what kind of benefit you get from any endeavor,” he said. 

Coach Ward is no stranger to the Santa Monica community, either. He grew up going to Calvary Church and attending Calvary Christian School in the Pacific Palisades. He says that he would not be where he is today without the impact that the people in those communities had on him. When Brendan was presented with the opportunity to work at Pacifica, he was unsure of his future and felt relatively unprepared to make a career change.

“I made the decision to come to Pacifica on faith, knowing that I was being guided to the right path,” said Brendan. “That decision has now blossomed into one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

His favorite part of working at Pacifica, like so many others, is the community. He says that there is always a sense of support and dedication amongst the student body and staff coming together for a common purpose. Brendan appreciates that Pacifica is full of people always ready to sacrifice their time in order to be of service to someone else. 

“It is easy to work and thrive in an environment where everybody wants to see you do your best,” he said. 

In addition to making a difference in the classroom and on the court, Brendan is also involved in other student life activities. He has led the Yellow Team at our All School Retreat for two years in a row, and even DJ’d the Homecoming Boat Dance this year! He sets an example for what it means to be an engaged and invested staff member. 

Brendan hopes that he impacts the lives of his students and players in some way or another. Whether it be in a small or significant way, he hopes that they take a lesson away from his class or team as they move forward with their lives. He says that whether it’s in regard to how they can succeed in a classroom, or something that they can take with them out into the real world, he seeks to make some form of impression. 

In his free time, Brendan plays any sport that he possibly can. He continues to play beach volleyball competitively, which takes up most of his time, but also enjoys pickleball, golf, hockey, disc golf, and many other sports and activities.