By Terra Avilla
If you’ve spent any time at a local soccer field, a community event, or a school gym, you’ve probably run into Keith (and if you haven’t, you’re missing out). He’s the kind of person who makes you glad to call this place home.
I first got to know Keith when he coached my daughter, Peach, in soccer.
Now, let’s be honest – we all know coaching kids’ sports can be a thankless job. Herding a bunch of energetic kids around a field while trying to teach them the difference between a goal and a gopher hole is not for the faint of heart. But Keith? He made it look easy.
What sets Keith apart isn’t just his knowledge of the game, though he’s got plenty of that, it’s the way he coaches – with just the right mix of encouragement and challenge.
He didn’t hand out empty praise or let the kids coast. He coached Peach hard – pushing her to dig deeper, run faster, and believe in herself even when she wasn’t sure she could.
There were moments when she came off the field red-faced and frustrated, but she always went back out, ready to try again. And you know what? She thrived. She learned that effort matters, that mistakes are part of the process, and that she was capable of more than she thought.
One of my favorite memories is the legendary parent vs. kid game at the end of the season, with the seriousness of a World Cup final—whistle and all—while the parents huffed and puffed their way around the field, trying to keep up with a pack of giggling kids.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when one of the parents (not naming names) tripped over the ball and landed in a heap. Keith just grinned and said, “That’s why we leave the playing to the kids.”
But Keith’s impact doesn’t end when the final whistle blows. He and his wife run a local business, and if you’ve ever needed a favor, advice, or just a friendly chat, you know their door is always open. Whether it’s sponsoring a youth team, volunteering at a fundraiser, or helping a neighbor move, Keith and his wife show up.
And then there’s Keith the dad. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him at his kids’ games, concerts, and school events. He’s always there—sometimes with a camera, sometimes with a snack, always with a big smile.
No matter how busy life gets, he never misses a chance to cheer his kids on. He’s not just present – he’s thoroughly engaged, invested, and genuinely proud. It’s clear his family comes first, and that’s something you don’t see enough these days.
Lassen County is full of good people, but Keith Crosby is one of the best. He’s the coach who pushes your kid to be their best, the neighbor who lends a hand without being asked, and the dad who shows up – every single time. He makes this community stronger, kinder, and a little bit more fun.
And next time you see him at a game, give him a high five. Just don’t challenge him to a soccer match – trust me, you’ll regret it, but he is still one of the reasons I love where we live.
