The Commanders' Week 4 Flag Coach of the Week is Duval High School's Niesha Backus. Coach Backus is one of those rare educators who consistently goes above and beyond for her school and students. In addition to teaching five different courses at DuVal High School, she also sponsors two student organizations: the Drama Production Club and the Tigers EV Racing Team. Within the Interactive Media Production CTE program, Backus teaches two courses that give students the opportunity to graduate with up to seven different Adobe certifications. She also teaches two Media Arts Production courses, where her students gain hands-on experience in media broadcasting by running the school news program, TigerTV, which streams live on YouTube.
Backus' commitment to students extends well beyond the classroom. She created a free boutique inside her classroom where she collects donations from family, friends, and the community. Students can access clothing, toiletries, snacks, shoes, school supplies and more—at no cost. Her initiative was so impactful that the school expanded it into a larger version in the library. This effort is just one example of her dedication to making sure every student feels supported.
Beyond her teaching and coaching, Backus is also an activist, frequently participating in protests and organizing donation drives. She serves as the Communications Chair for the PTSA, further strengthening the connection between school and community. Athletically, Coach Backus wears many hats. In addition to being the head girls' flag football coach, she is the associate head softball coach and assistant cheerleading coach.
Niesha Backus exemplifies what it means to be an educator, mentor and leader. Her tireless dedication to her students and school community makes a lasting impact every day. Commanders.com sat down for an exclusive with Coach Backus following her Coach of the Week win.
Q: Congratulations on being named the Commanders' Week 4 Flag Coach of the Week! How does it feel to receive an honor like this?
A: "Really, really good. I was really surprised!"
Q: What made you want to be the girls' flag coach?
A: "I'm also the assistant softball coach at Duval, so I already had a handle of coaching a lot of athletes and a lot of athletes know me. I also played flag football in college, I watch football and my boyfriend is really into football, so it just made sense!"
Q: What's one of the biggest life lessons flag football has taught you, and how do you pass that lesson on to your players?
A: "I'm trying to use the sport to instill confidence in them. I feel like across the board this current group of high schoolers try to act very confident, but when it's time for them to show it, it's not there. If they mess up on the field, instead of letting it roll off their shoulders, they immediately get down on themselves and their whole mood changes. I'm trying to teach them that it's okay to mess up and still keep your confidence up."
Q: Do you have a motto or mantra that anchors you in your work?
A: "My guiding principle or motto in life is, 'expand your creativity.' I guess I can say I use that on the field, too, because I create different plays on the fly, I encourage my kids to be creative on the field. If you can't do the initial play, make up a new one."
