6 minute read
Spotlight on Brimmer Athletics
With plans for a new Recreation & Wellness Center underway, we sat down with Athletic Director Tom Nelson to learn more about the work he is doing to elevate the Athletics program across all three divisions of the School.
As Athletic Director, what is your vision for the Brimmer Athletics program going forward?
My vision is to produce a more holistic approach to athletics by enhancing key areas of the program, such as athletic development both on and off the courts and fields and programming that analyzes the development of one’s athleticism and understanding of the sport. I foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity in the program, encouraging community engagement with students, parents, and fans. It is important to set clear goals both as a team and as individuals. When I routinely seek feedback from both our students and our parents, it helps me evaluate progress and ensure growth and sustainability in our program.
While we have athletic requirements in the Middle and Upper School that encourage three-season athletes, we understand that is not every student’s path. Some students choose to take a season off while others focus on one sport and meet their annual requirements through other activities. Some students play sports outside of Brimmer, and we encourage that as well. Brimmer Athletics can help develop students into college athletes, if that is their preferred track, or help them learn a new skill and sport and prosper in that as well.
What new ideas do you have planned for the program?
My first priority has been to implement strategic hires. We brought in a new Assistant Athletic Director, Justin Sellar, and we elevated Jonny Bonner to leading the 4/5 program. Having an experienced Assistant AD who has spent several years at an independent school brings invaluable insight to our program. Justin is well-equipped to step in and take on these responsibilities and duties. He will contribute fresh ideas from his boarding school experience, along with established connections and a deep understanding of teams in the area, enabling us to forge new relationships.
Likewise, Coach Jonny brings a wealth of experience, having worked at Brimmer already for several years starting with Kindergarten soccer skills and most recently teaching physical education. As a leader in providing youth soccer skills across the state, we are excited for our students to benefit from his expertise in this new role. These two hires align with our overall strategic initiative to bring in experienced and qualified coaches and athletic team members, allowing us to elevate athletics at Brimmer to new heights.
We have also expanded the girls’ programs by adding a new Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach, Courtney Sims, and a new Girls Volleyball Coach, Delya Lorquet. These new coaches bring expertise and skill development, recruitment and retention, mentorship and leadership, and the desire to build a winning culture. This inspires our athletes to strive for excellence and continuously improve their performance.
Secondly, we are shifting our approach to wellness by piloting physical therapy and mental performance initiatives with the girls’ teams before and after sports. Having a clear, concise plan for warm-up, recovery, summer work, and progress measurement will lead to enhanced performance. The addition of the new Recreation & Wellness Center will help support these endeavors.
Tell us about your personal philosophy towards athletics, health, and wellness.
I believe that athletics is the heart and soul of a school, providing inspiration to students, faculty, staff, and families. When we come together to cheer on our students, we are supporting them in navigating victories and defeats and helping them strive to do their best every day. Engaging in sports offers students opportunities to stay physically active, fostering healthy lifestyles and overall well-being. Participation in sports can also assist students in managing stress, enhancing mental health, and cultivating resilience.
Given we will break ground soon on a brand-new Recreation & Wellness Center, how will this new facility elevate the Athletics program?
The new Recreation & Wellness Center promises to significantly elevate the Athletics program in numerous ways. The additional court space will facilitate simultaneous games, practices, and training sessions, accommodate a wider variety of sports activities and competitions, and allow more students to participate and excel in diverse sports. The upgraded bleachers and viewing areas will draw larger crowds to games and events, enhancing school spirit and creating a more dynamic atmosphere during sporting competitions.
Moreover, dedicated spaces for Lower School physical education classes will improve the curriculum and provide a safe environment for younger athletes to develop. The new facility’s advanced training equipment and resources will help athletes improve their skills, improve physical conditioning, and reduce injury risks. By offering a modern and impressive environment for both students and visiting teams, the new Recreation & Wellness Center will not only elevate the school’s image but also elevate the experience for competitors and spectators, positioning the school as a premier host for sporting events. ■
WELCOME JUSTIN SELLAR
Mr. Sellar joined the Brimmer Athletics team this fall as Assistant Athletic Director after spending the last six years as Associate Director of Athletics and Head Varsity Baseball Coach at St. George’s School. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Wheaton College and an M.S. in Sports Management with a concentration in Athletics Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. “I am thrilled to be joining the Brimmer community,” says Sellar. “It is an exciting time for Brimmer Athletics, and I look forward to working with Tom, Larry, Jaime, Jonny, and our coaches to create the best possible experience for all of our student-athletes.”
ELEVATING LOWER SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Q&A with Jonny Bonner
In your past year working with the Lower School Physical Education (PE) program, what have you discovered about Brimmer as a community?
I have learned that Brimmer is a tight-knit community, with students who are eager to learn and teachers who go above and beyond to help them. Brimmer is also a very welcoming community, something I have felt since day one of joining the PE program.
What are you most excited about in your new role as Coordinator of the 4/5 Athletic Program?
I am excited to develop young students’ skills and love for sport. It’s always a pleasure to watch a kid’s passion for exercise and sport grow because of a fun and inclusive environment, and that is what I hope to create with the 4/5 program.
What is your personal philosophy on athletics, PE, health, and wellness, particularly for this age group?
I want to promote a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Watching kids create healthy habits through exercise and sport brings me great joy, and my goal is to achieve just that through the 4/5 program.
How do you ensure that students both enjoy and value their athletic experiences?
It’s important to ensure the students and coaches align with the program’s goals. Once aligned, the next step is to create an environment where students are challenged to develop and improve, but in a fun way, so they leave each session with a smile on their face.
