The Bison football team has a brand-new coaching staff this year including head coach Damion Creel and offensive line coach Ryan Hines.

One unique addition is beloved elementary gym teacher Mary Deitrick, who was brought on as quarterback coach. Some may be surprised by the choice of a female coach, since football is such a male-dominated sport, but those who would question it do not know Deitrick, who brings a wealth of experience from her own athletic career.

“I have coached many different sports with both men and women,” Deitrick said. “At the end of the day, your gender does not matter…what does matter is your commitment, enthusiasm and ability to get your players to buy-in on what you are trying to build.”

Deitrick blossomed into a sports star at Mentor High School, where she was a star volleyball, basketball and softball player. The Mentor football coach told her he wished she played football, and he was willing to pick her to start over the Cardinals’ then-starting QB.

At Bowling Green State University, she initially played club volleyball. But when the head coach of the varsity team saw her play, he offered her a spot on the team, but Deitrick said she could not make the time commitment.

After transferring to Lakeland Community College, she played softball for two years, and for her final two years of eligibility, transferred to play softball at Cleveland State.

If that wasn’t enough, she was also the quarterback for the Cleveland Fusion, a women’s professional American football team, part of the Women’s Football Alliance.

“Mary D. is an all-around superior athlete and could probably play every position on the [football] field, or any sport for that matter…she is that talented,” former Cleveland Fusion linebacker Stacey Fifer said. “She is a born leader and team player.”

Fifer played with Deitrick in 2002 and 2003.

“Her strengths on the field include throwing accuracy, managing the offense, ability to read the defense and adjust the play as well as outsmarting her opponents,” Fifer continued. “She was always ready to play, and [she is] one of the toughest athletes I’ve been lucky to play alongside.”

Deitrick’s love for football bloomed at a young age.

“I have loved football since I was five years old.” Deitrick said. “I was the only girl who played in the Mentor Bantam Football League (ages 8-10), and I was the QB.”

“Every time an opportunity came along that had to do with football, I was always welcomed with open arms, even when I was the only girl,” she added.

Deitrick is now working with sophomore quarterback Ben Connor, who is playing his first full season as quarterback for the Bison. There has been nothing but positive feedback about her contribution to the team.

“She definitely knows what she’s doing,” Connor said. “She has good insight on changing what needs to be fixed. She is also definitely a good motivator, especially for me.”

“I was excited to work with her because I knew she would help me with the transition from throwing a baseball to a football,” Connor added.

Deitrick advises Connor to keep a strong rhythm for offensive play.

“[She tells me that] without tempo you’re going to come out flat, with no energy,” he said.

Deitrick is an enormous influence on the other players as well.

“Ms. D is an awesome coach,” Captain Josh Bialosky said. “She knows our whole offense like it’s on the back of her hand.”

Many of the players are excited to be coached by a much-loved teacher they remember from elementary school.

“I was ecstatic to hear Ms. D was going to be a coach this year,” Bialosky added. “She was one of my favorite teachers when I was younger, and I always heard great stories of how great a player she was.”

“Coach D has many strengths that she brings to our team,” Offensive line coach Ryan Hines said. “Her dedication and love for the game are overwhelming.”

“Her humor keeps everyone smiling…” said Fifer, her former Fusion teammate. “…actually laughing hysterically…  she is a genuine, caring person with a huge heart.”

Deitrick sees coaching as another form of teaching.

“I think I am good at motivating my players to be the best that they can be,” she said. “I also think I am good at keeping things positive on the playing field.”

According to Deitrick, football is more complex than it seems.

“It is a very physical game, but it can be just as taxing mentally,” she said. “If you let your head play games with you, it can really take a toll on your season. I try my best to have a very positive outlook on everything we are doing.”

Deitrick loves being back on the field with her old students and new coaching squad.

“My coaching experience so far has been great,” she said. “Coach Creel is doing some amazing things with these boys, both on and off the field, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this with him.”

Deitrick’s approach to coaching is firm but compassionate.

“She is totally understanding towards someone when they don’t know what to do,” Connor said. “She is very understanding, and her intention is not to punish kids; she is all about helping and improving.”

It may be a common perception that a woman would be treated differently as a men’s football coach, but this is not the case at Beachwood.

“Everyone treats her as just another coach… She knows her stuff,” Connor said.

“I don’t believe she is treated differently, she is treated like any other coach. All players can go to her if they have questions,” Bialosky said.

Her fellow coaches agree.

“She is a coach just like us, doesn’t matter what gender or race as long as you can get the job done,” Hines said.

Obviously, times are changing for the better. The Arizona Cardinals also have a new addition to their staff this year: Jen Welter was hired as an intern to help coach inside linebackers. She is the first woman coach in the National Football League.

“If you love the sport and want to be a part of it, ask. You never know unless you ask,” Deitrick said.