For the first time in the 100-plus year history of Baldwin County high school athletics, a female will serve as athletic director over all sports at a public high school in Baldwin County.

The appointment was made after the Baldwin County Board of Education’s recent separation of head football coach and athletic director responsibilities at its high schools.

Metta Christensen was announced as Foley High School’s new athletic director at the school’s recent awards ceremony by Foley High School Principal Jessica Webb. Christensen replaces Deric Scott as AD. Scott will continue to serve as the Lions' head football coach.

Christensen is a Foley High graduate who most recently served as the school’s volleyball coach and assistant athletic director. Webb said Christensen is an ideal choice for the position.

“First, we want to thank Coach Scott for his strong leadership the last five years as athletic director,” Webb said. “We are extremely excited to have Coach Christensen step into this important role. She has the experience and knowledge as well as the passion and love for our students, coaches and community. We are thrilled about the growth and success of our programs and our ongoing multi-million dollar athletic facilities currently under construction. The future of Foley High School athletics is very bright!”

Christensen said she is looking forward to serving in the new position.

“I’m grateful and honored to lead the student-athletes of Foley High School,” she said.

Scott also praised Christensen’s selection.

“Congratulations to Coach Christensen as she enters this next phase as athletic director over all sports at Foley High School. I know she is well prepared for the job and its range of responsibilities,” Scott said.

Christensen has served in the Baldwin County Public Schools system since 1995. Before returning to her alma mater, where she was an All-State basketball player and 6A Player of the Year, she served as head girls' softball, volleyball and basketball coach at Baldwin County High School, taking the Lady Tigers basketball team to the state final four, and as head volleyball coach at Robertsdale High School. She played four years of college basketball for the University of South Alabama Lady Jaguars, where she earned her undergraduate degree in education. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida.

Christensen is a member of the Foley High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Baldwin County High School Athletic Hall of Fame and a previous Best of Baldwin winner for best coach.