Bancroft School, a PreK–12 independent day school in Worcester, is pleased to announce that the School has hired Tracy Jones as the Athletic Director. An experienced athlete, coach, and administrator who has worked in independent school, college, and international youth sports organizations, Tracy is passionate about developing leadership and healthy lifestyles for student-athletes and their coaches.
“Tracy’s philosophy about athletics is well aligned with Bancroft’s mission,” said Trey Cassidy, Head of School. “She believes in a healthy balance of athletics within the larger scope of the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of children and adolescents. She understands the day-to-day operational elements of being an athletic director, she has built successful programs, developed coaches and athletes, and is committed to winning.”
A former Athletic Director at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA, Tracy spent the past four years with Positive Coaching Alliance developing and facilitating research-based workshops to help coaches improve performance through a positive, character-building, youth sports experience. Tracy’s coaching roles have included assistant women’s soccer coach at NCAA Division 1 DePaul University, and head soccer and lacrosse coach at Colby-Sawyer College. She has an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from DePaul University and a B.A. in International Relations from Brown University.
Tracy believes strongly that participation in athletics builds “critical life skills” including resilience, discipline, problem-solving, perseverance, leadership, and dedication to a cause greater than oneself. “In the 21st century,” she states, “it is more important than ever to teach students how to compete, how to persist in the face of adversity, and how to embrace the discomfort of a struggle, as they strive for success.”
Tracy replaces Stephen Kelley, who is stepping down as the Athletic Director at Bancroft after 26 years. Steve’s skillful leadership created far-reaching improvements in Bancroft’s athletics facilities and programs over the years, including the growth of the School’s sports offerings from seven to 14 teams. Steve will continue his duties as a Physical Education teacher and coach, and transition to a newly created position as Facility Manager and Program Director for the Bancroft Field House at 100 Shore Drive. Currently undergoing major renovations and slated to open in Fall 2016, the modern, functional field house will have an indoor turf field, running track, and flexible conference spaces that will benefit both Bancroft School and the local community.
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ATHLETICS AT BANCROFT SCHOOL
At the Varsity (V) level, the Bancroft Bulldogs compete in the Eastern Independent League (EIL) of the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). As evidenced by an impressive track record of team, athlete, and coaching awards, our Varsity athletes play to win. Bancroft faculty and coaches serve as mentors to student-athletes both on and off the field, preparing them for the rigors of college, and guiding their development as women and men of character in all areas of life.
Bulldog Highlights, May 2016:
- Girls’ Shot Put, New EIL Record
- Girls’ Discus, New EIL Record & New England Champion
- Girls’ Triple Jump, New EIL Record
- Boys Baseball, EIL Pool B Tournament Winners
- Girls & Boys Varsity Crew, 2 NEIRA Qualifiers