Xavier Massarotti is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Veritas Prep for AZPreps365.com.

The saying ‘coaches don’t play’ holds true in most cases. However, for Indoor Football League (IFL) wide receiver Isaiah Huston, being an assistant coach as well as a player is a touchdown catch.

The 31-year-old, who recently signed with the San Diego Strike Force, serves as an assistant football coach at Veritas Prep, working primarily with wide receivers and defensive backs. The former Arizona Rattler has a true love for the game as both an active player and coach. 

“I just always thought if I was a high school kid, it’d be cool to have a current professional athlete helping mentor and coach you,” Huston said. “It’s my way to give back. I enjoy being around the kids and being around the game.”

In the IFL, the Anthem, Ariz., native played for seven seasons with the Rattlers before taking off 2026. He did so  to consider whether or not he wanted to continue playing. Ultimately, he decided to continue his career in San Diego, with the regular season set to begin in March 2027. 

Huston and head coach Mike Sanfratello’s time together dates back seven years ago, when the duo coached the Veritas Prep middle school football team before coming to the high school varsity team this year. The 6-foot receiver and coach adds valuable knowledge to the staff while also balancing out Sanfratello’s toughness.

“If a kid does something wrong, I am on him immediately where (Huston’s) a little bit more come alongside,” Sanfratello said. “I think you have to have a little of that mix and match … you need that come alongside to be like, ‘Here’s why you need to do that right,’ and I think that’s helpful.” 

Huston hopes to make an impact on the younger generation apart from just the field. He wants to help them grow as young men and the players themselves have clearly appreciated his presence.

A point of emphasis of his is making football enjoyable and not as serious, while still being able to get work done when necessary. 

“He makes me happy to play football,” wide receiver Aidan Bailey said. “Not like ‘Oh, we’re just working every day,’ like football’s fun. He knows that and he tries to bring that out of us.” 

Defensive back Brayden Barrows shared a similar sentiment.

“If we’re having a bad practice, he’s always there to tell us and be strong with us and just make sure that we turn it around,” Barrows said. 

On the field, with the experience he has, he adds an extra level of knowledge to coaching. He knows what it takes to make it to the college level, having played at Phoenix College and Arizona Christian University. 

For the players aspiring to make it to the  collegiate level, Huston can serve as a valuable mentor and resource. 

“The little ins and outs that I don’t particularly know, he gives us that extra eyes and that extra little pieces of technique and tips,” Sanfratello said. “I can tell a guy where to be, but I couldn’t tell him how to finish. So those are huge to have guys that know their stuff in the right spots to coach the boys.”

Huston hopes to continue to grow as both a coach and a player. He hopes to help his players grow in a similar way. 

“As a coach, just really being able to make an impact on the kids.” Huston said. “Whatever they want to do in life, help them succeed and grow as young men, on and off the field.”