Brian Walsh named new athletic director at Woodbridge replacing Rick Gibson

Brian Walsh takes over for Rick Gibson as athletic director. (Photo courtesy Woodbridge High)

Brian Walsh has been named the new athletic director at Woodbridge High School, according to Principal Christopher Krebs.

Walsh replaces long-time athletic director Rick Gibson who retired at the end of the spring semester.

“I was attracted to Woodbridge first and foremost because it is a great school in a constantly growing school district,” Walsh said. “Administration demonstrates a commitment to athletics that is supportive and interested in continuing to offer a successful athletic program.

“My main goal is to continually strive to support our coaches in ways that afford them more time and energy to work with our student-athletes. The biggest challenge will be the learning curve associated with making the transition from 18 years of private school experience to the public school setting, especially in regards to the policies and procedures specific to Woodbridge and Irvine Unified School District.”

Walsh has spent 18 years as an athletic director, including the last two years at La Salle College Preparatory, according to a release from Woodbridge.

During his time at La Salle, the Lancers won nine league championships and the school’s first ever CIF titles in girls water polo and girls’ tennis. 

Before that, Walsh spent 16 years at St. Anthony High School in Long Beach. He served in numerous capacities, including assistant principal, athletic director, dean, facilities manager, teacher and head football coach.

At St. Anthony High School, his teams won 45 league championships, eight CIF Southern Section and state regional championships and nine CIF Southern Section individual championships. 

The CIF recognized Walsh four times as part of their MVP athletic director program, the Woodridge release added.

Walsh graduated from Long Beach State with a bachelor of science in kinesiology and a minor in psychology, and also earned a master’s degree in sports management. He and his wife, Liz, have two young children, Shane and Charlotte.