Brett McCabe

Meet our new director of athletics

Can you share a little about your journey to Nueva? They say if you do something you love, then you will never work a day in your life. This is how my professional experiences have felt. I grew up loving sports, and I have been fortunate to be involved in athletics my entire career.

After playing baseball professionally, I became a coach and administrator at the collegiate level. After seven years, and wanting to be closer to family, my wife and I moved to Dallas, TX, where I served as the director of the McKinney Marshals baseball organization for eight years. I then transitioned to being the athletic director at Parish Episcopal School.

During my 10 years at Parish, I helped grow Parish’s athletic program. We added two additional sports and entered the biggest division of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. Despite being the smallest school in the league, we enjoyed a high level of success—including six state championships.

What are you looking forward to in your new role?

Initially, I look forward to getting to know everybody in the Nueva community while supporting the athletic department. Over time, I look forward to making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes. I want to enhance their experience to the fullest. This is done in many different ways: providing support, maximizing opportunities, embracing competition, hiring the best coaches, improving and expanding facilities, using the best equipment, and anything else I can do to make the kids feel special and appreciated.

What drew you to the Athletics program at Nueva and what opportunities do you see? In my initial conversations with [Associate Head of School] Terry Lee, I became more and more interested in the school. Terry was very passionate about Nueva, the community, and in particular, athletics. He really sold me on it.

Then I had the opportunity to visit and meet with many people on both of Nueva’s campuses. It was obvious that Nueva is a special place where everyone really cares and wants the best for one another. That level of support was important to me.

Nueva’s athletic department is still relatively young, which reminds me of when I became the athletic director at my former school. I see many similarities and look forward to helping the department grow and improve.

Every year, second graders study what brings people to the Bay Area. What draws you to the Bay Area? For me, this is an easy one. I was born just up the road in Sacramento. All my family still lives there, so having the opportunity to return to Northern California was a no-brainer. Plus, is there any better weather in the country? I don’t think so.

What is something that people might be surprised to know about you? I am a former professional baseball player. I played for the Chicago Cubs Organization. [N]

QUICK FACTS

Favorite sport to watch: Football

Favorite sport to play: Basketball

Favorite pre-game song: “Crazy Train” by Ozzie Osbourne

Favorite pre-game meal: None. I like to play and coach on an empty stomach.

Favorite travel destination: Myrtle Beach, SC, and Lake Tahoe, CA

Person, place, or thing that brings you joy: My wife and kids

Morning beverage of choice (or how you take your coffee): Orange juice. I’ve never drunk coffee.

Secret hidden talent: I am ambidextrous.

Number one thing on your bucket list: Take my family to Hawai’i for a vacation.

Your hero: My dad