After nearly 20 years of steady leadership by Robin Chandler ‘97 and Danny Smith, the Athletic Department is undergoing some changes this year. Following Coach Victoria McGee’s unanticipated departure in the middle of the summer and Coach Robin Chandler’s move to the Communications Department Athletic Director and former Varsity Football head coach Danny Smith is anchoring the MAC staff for the 2022-2023 school year. Coach Smith has served the school as co-athletic director for 17 years and as Varsity Football head coach until last fall. Former co-athletic director with Coach Smith, Coach Chandler said, “I think the world of Mr. Smith, and I know he’s doing a terrific job. They are definitely short-staffed in the MAC so it has not been easy, but he’s a pro.”
Coach Smith is in charge of ordering the necessary supplies and athletic equipment, representing Hotchkiss at league meetings and NEPSAC functions, supporting coaches and players throughout the season, as well as meeting with the grounds crew.
Squash Program Director and Athletic Office Administrator Bobby Burns ‘08 said, “He’s doing a tremendous job captaining this ship. Between Ms. McGee and Ms. Chandler, we lost two people and about 60 hours a week put into the Athletic Office. Coach Smith has certainly helped steady [the ship] with his… work and experience in the office.”
Next fall, Coach Smith will help in the Admissions Office, where he has worked for several years already. The school has already begun a search for a new Athletic Director for 2023-2024 by engaging a search firm called Coach in Peace. Representatives from Coach in Peace have been on campus interviewing coaches and representatives of the community over the past few weeks. They plan to outreach to students in the near future as well. The search committee is exploring all possible options, from within and outside the Hotchkiss community. Another essential piece to the search process is student feedback, and Dr. Mardon’s search committee will ensure to take students’ perspectives into account.
With all of his experience, Coach Smith is very familiar with the responsibilities that come with being the Athletic Director, and hopes that the incoming Athletic Director is personable and can communicate well, saying, “So much of this job requires the ability to relate to people, students, coaches, parents, administrators, vendors, and college recruiters. I hope the new [Athletic Director] will also have an appreciation for the importance of team sports and athletic competition in the life of young people.”
One of Dr. Merrilee Mardon, Dean of Faculty’s, primary jobs is to recruit talented people to Hotchkiss, and she understands the importance of selecting the right person for this position. She said, “First and foremost, they have to love working with students, and they have to love athletics. We are really interested in somebody who can navigate the changing environment for student athletes. Also, we want somebody who can support our increasingly diverse student body in all ways and continue to build a really positive culture around athletics.”
The past 17 years as an Athletic Director has left Coach Smith with many lasting memories, saying, “There is nothing quite like running out onto the field with your Hotchkiss team. There is a real thrill and a sense of satisfaction getting onto a bus after a big win over a rival school. Also, I will definitely miss the relationships with fellow A.D.s from all over New England.”
Whomever the new athletic director will be, the job will certainly have its challenges, including as Ms. Chandler said, “Pleasing everyone. It’s pretty impossible to do.”
