US Announces New AD

John Ptacek, Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Varsity Soccer Coach at University School, has been appointed the new Athletic Director at the Hunting Valley Campus. He succeeds Joe Shapiro who plans to continue his career in sports management, and having worked at both the college and high school level, is considering a range of possible options.

In making the announcement of the new athletic director, Steve Murray, University School Headmaster, said, "Certainly John Ptacek's background as a division I soccer player, a successful coach, and a former Cleveland Heights police officer were compelling to us, but more than anything, his personal qualities won over the search committee. Those who know him well felt that his integrity was beyond question, he is extraordinarily loyal to the school, he demonstrates a tremendous work ethic every day, and he is hungry to learn and improve at every opportunity." 

In his new position, Ptacek, 41, will oversee the entire athletic program at the Upper School as well as the physical education department. He will facilitate the fall, winter, and spring interscholastic programs in addition to the school's extensive extracurricular and intramural programs.

"I am honored to have been selected as the new AD and look forward to being a positive role model to our athletes and supporting our coaches," Ptacek said.

Ptacek has held various positions at US since he joined the school in 2008, including head varsity soccer coach, director of summer sports camps, head JV tennis coach, assistant varsity tennis coach, and physical education teacher.

A graduate of The University of Akron, Ptacek was named President's Athletic Conference (PAC) Coach of the Year in soccer for three consecutive years.