NC State Football Adds Honorary Coach to Fulfill Dream of 12-Year-Old Florida Girl

N.C. State football welcomed Payton Gibbs, a 12-year-old girl with autism, as an honorary coach for their game against Clemson.

North Carolina State football had a special addition to their coaching staff during their game against Clemson. Payton Gibbs, a 12-year-old girl, was invited by head coach Dave Doeren to serve as an honorary coach for the game. Gibbs and her family arrived the day before the game and stayed at the team hotel. Throughout the weekend, Gibbs had the opportunity to join team meals and meetings, participate in pregame activities, ride the bus for the Walk of Champions, and even take part in the coin toss. Her family was also allowed to be on the field during the game, providing her with a full coaching experience.

Gibbs, who has autism, has always had a passion for football and aspires to be a coach. Her father, PJ Gibbs, serves as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Golden Gate High School in Naples, Florida. Payton has been assisting her father on the sideline as a defensive analyst, charting play calls and tracking tackling statistics. However, when ESPN expressed interest in telling Payton's story, her school district banned her from being on the sideline. Despite this setback, Payton's dream of being a coach caught the attention of Coach Doeren, who had been in contact with the Gibbs family since last year.

Doeren invited Payton to attend a Wolfpack practice and meet the players and coaches. The two families stayed in touch, and when Doeren learned about the ban imposed by the school district, he was determined to take action. He wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Schools, questioning the legality of restricting someone due to their disability. Doeren argued that it would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. When the school district failed to respond, Doeren decided to invite Payton to be an honorary coach for the Wolfpack.

For Doeren, this gesture is personal. His eldest son, Jacob, also has autism, and Doeren has witnessed the challenges and limitations placed on individuals with special needs. He wants to create a welcoming environment at NC State, not only by hiring people with special needs but also by supporting local causes and giving individuals like Payton the opportunity to pursue their dreams. The Gibbs family arrived in Raleigh to a warm reception from the team, with players interacting with Payton and making her feel like part of the staff.

Payton's presence on the sideline is not only a dream come true for her but also a statement about inclusivity and gender equality in sports. She hopes to inspire other girls and women who are interested in football to actively participate in the sport as coaches or trainers. Doeren hopes that this story will shed light on the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities and encourage others to do the same. He urges readers to share the article with the Collier County school district and express their support for Payton and others in the community who face similar obstacles.

In conclusion, Payton Gibbs's experience as an honorary coach for the NC State football team is a testament to the power of inclusivity and the determination to overcome obstacles. Coach Doeren's support for Payton and his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for individuals with special needs highlights the importance of equal opportunities in sports. Payton's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring female coaches and trainers, proving that anyone can pursue their dreams regardless of gender or disability. By sharing this article and supporting Payton's cause, we can help create a more inclusive and accepting society.

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