To say Cody Clark has a busy schedule at Patrick Henry High School may be an understatement.

Clark works as a history teacher and athletic director. If that is not enough to keep him busy, he also serves as head coach for boys’ varsity soccer.

“Cody is incredibly thoughtful and passionate about promoting student leadership,” PHHS Principal Michelle Irwin stated. “Cody is responsive to student-athletes, parents and coaches and advocates for them.”

Prior to coming to Patrick Henry, Clark obtained his social science teaching credential from San Diego State University in 2004.

“The last week of my student teaching assignment was my first week of Seminary at Claremont School of Theology,” Clark said. “In the spring of 2003, I spent time in Vladivostok, Russia through the United Methodist Church where I stayed with a host family and worked at an orphanage. My experience in Russia changed my life and the direction of my vocation.”

While he was in Seminary and pursuing ordination in the UMC, Clark became the youth pastor at San Carlos UMC in 2006. As Clark sees it, he was fortunate enough to spend eight years working with a variety of people in the community. “I really love this wonderful corner of San Diego,” Clark added. Following a decade career in the UMC, Clark returned to classroom education in 2014.

Part of his return to education has been making sure the Patrick Henry High athletic program keeps churning along. Clark is in his sixth year as the school’s athletic director, a job alone that keeps him quite busy.

As Clark sees it, one of the greatest demands is also one of the greatest blessings of the job.

“I have a passion to be involved in young people’s lives and to empower risk taking, growth and development to encourage our student-athletes to graduate as leaders. This is a big goal of mine that goes far beyond the scoreboard, wins and losses,” Clark commented.

Even as important as his athletic duties are, Clark relishes being able to teach students about world history.