Every afternoon, the Greenies who strive for excellence in the classroom shift their focus to an array of afternoon pursuits. Supported by dedicated coaches and program leaders, they develop strength, confidence, resilience, and friendships that last lifetimes. They also reach personal and team milestones that consistently make the community proud.
Christ School’s new Athletic Director, Mr. Josh Coley, looks forward to overseeing this component of each Greenie’s experience. Mr. Coley will assume this vital leadership role starting with the 2022-23 school year.
In addition to Mr. Coley, three Greenie staff members will have new leadership roles within the Athletic Department. Duncan Parham P'13 will serve as Associate Athletic Director, Chad Walker will be Assistant Athletic Director for Coaching Relations and will remain Head Varsity Football Coach, and Doug Embler P'19 will be Assistant Athletic Director for Logistics. This new structure will best serve the boys and provide the greatest possible athletic experience.
“My family and I are incredibly excited and honored that I have been asked to serve as the new Athletic Director at Christ School,” Mr. Coley said. “Athletics is an essential part in the development of the whole child and through our athletic department, with full support from administration, we will continue to foster and nurture this aspect of our Greenies’ development. The tradition and passion for Christ School athletics is rich, and as a team, we look forward to continuing along our championship course. Go Green!”
Mr. Coley joined the Christ School community this past year as Head Varsity Basketball Coach and has taught classes in Finance. With his direction, Greenie basketball improved on its previous season’s wins total by 13 games and reached the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.
In addition to extensive experience coaching and playing basketball, Mr. Coley has previously been Athletic Director at United Faith Christian Academy and was an Assistant Athletic Director at Carmel Christian. Mr. Coley graduated from N.C. Central University’s Turner School of Law in 2012 with his M.B.A./J.D. after earning a B.A. in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro in 2008. He and his wife, Tia, have two sons, Jacob and Joshua.
Mr. Coley is replacing outgoing Christ School Athletic Director Eric Thorp ‘01, who will be transitioning to the Advancement Department as Associate Director of External Affairs. Mr. Thorp has proudly served his alma mater as an employee since 2007.
“I am thrilled that Josh has agreed to lead our athletic department and build on the success it achieved under the leadership of Eric Thorp,” Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins said. “Josh’s experience as a former athletic director, teacher, coach, and student-athlete is impressive. He is a servant leader who is fiercely committed to excellence in both athletics and academics, and the growth of the whole boy."
"I also want to thank Assistant Head of School Ron Ramsey who led the re-organization of our Athletic Department, and to Duncan Parham, Chad Walker, and Doug Embler who are stepping into new leadership roles. We are excited for the future of this department and the impact it will have on our community.”
Christ School offers 10 different sports in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association, along with the Outdoor Program, Theater Department, and Christ School Broadcast Network.