When River Bluff High School head football coach Perry Parks needed a new assistant coach on his roster, he didn’t hesitate to call Meghan Ford about the job in Lexington, S.C. Ford became the first woman to work on River Bluff’s football coaching staff, and she is currently one of two female assistant coaches in the area, forging a new path and making strides for female football coaches.
“Check her resume and places she has been, it speaks for itself. But like anything, you’ve got to go out and earn people’s respect on a day-to-day basis.” Parks told The State. “She understands what the rigors of the college level are, and she had her own room at Mass-Maritime. It is great to have her. She knows my standard, and she knows I am going to be tough on her with her being a woman in this industry, but I am excited for her.”
Ford previously worked under Parks at Coastal Carolina University, serving as a recruiting intern and later coaching receivers. She also coached two seasons at Mass-Maritime College, a D-III program in Massachusetts, before accepting the position at River Bluff.
And Ford’s love of the game started from a young age. She played youth football and competed in a rec league as a receiver. For a few years, Ford even played on the offensive line due to her height.
“When we met at Coastal Carolina, she said she wanted to coach,” Parks said. “People weren’t taking her seriously, but I put her to work and gave her some of the grunt work.”
“I have been so lucky in my career to have guys that have been super open to the idea of having a woman coaching them,” Ford said. “I understand that they have been coached by men, and it will be new for us. All the guys I have worked with, whether being receivers or whatever, have been supportive.”
As Ford forges a new path as assistant coach at River Bluff, she is also intent on growing girls’ interest in football. Flag football’s meteoric rise in popularity is at the front of her mind, so along with coaching receivers on the boys’ team, Ford will also serve as the head coach of the Gators’ first-ever girls’ flag football team.
“When I was younger and starting out, I felt very out of place because I was the only girl, and it felt very not normal,” Ford said. “It has been growing, and it is amazing to see. It gives young girls hope. I am so fortunate to be getting these opportunities.”
