Kay Parrish, daughter of former Brownwood Lions football assistant coach and high school principal Kenneth West and the late Shirley West, is returning to her roots. Parrish has taken over as the BHS cross country and girls track head coach, replacing Chesney Neely who accepted the role as Bangs Lady Dragons varsity basketball coach.

Parrish, on the Brownwood Lions Coach’s Show on KOXE earlier this week, spoke of returning to her alma mater.

“It’s a dream come true,” Parrish said. “We were planning to retire here, it just so happened everything fell into place. I think that was God’s hand in things that I needed to come back. I get to see my dad every day and I’m working with cross country right now. I’m so excited, their work ethic is unbelievable. I’m excited to see where this year is going to take them. They’re finish strong.

Parrish has a Bachelor of Science degree from Angelo State University and received her teaching certification from Texas Tech University. Parrish has spent the last 12 years at Kennedale after coaching and teaching for 18 years at Mansfield.

Parrish also qualified for state in the high jump during her time at Brownwood High School.

“She was an outstanding track athlete,” said Brownwood High School athletic director Sammy Burnett. “We’re blessed to have her. She’s here and working hard.”