As the athletic programs expand at Lake Highland Preparatory School, the school has also taken on new staff. LHP Athletic Director, Ms. Charmaine Schreiber, and Associate Director of Athletics, Mr. Michael Grenci, added a new Associate Director of Athletics to the team: Mr. Brian Thomas. Mr. Thomas brings experience from the collegiate level of athletics, but how does Mr. Thomas plan to help strengthen Lake Highland’s athletic program? How does he plan to promote more student involvement?
Growing up, Mr. Thomas loved sports and believes they helped shape his character today. Mr. Thomas explains, “I have been involved in sports since I was six years old, and they have shaped me into the person I am today. Athletics taught me how to lead, handle adversity, and stay disciplined. The lessons I’ve learned through sports laid the foundation for my life, which is why I’m so passionate about my role now. Having the opportunity to give back, share my experiences, and help student-athletes grow is what makes this job so rewarding.” Mr. Thomas continued his love for sports into college, studying Higher Education Leadership and earning his, “M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, and completing [his] undergraduate degree at the University of Florida.”
After college, Mr. Thomas was able to help universities for over eight years, working with different universities as the Director of Operations. He worked with Power Five Division One programs like Florida Atlantic University, the University of Mississippi, and Jacksonville University. Mr. Thomas states, “Most recently, I was with the Jacksonville University Baseball Team. Prior to that, I spent four years in Oxford, Mississippi, working with the Ole Miss Softball Team, as well as time with the baseball program at Florida Atlantic University.” As a former athlete, Mr. Thomas chose to work with high school sports, “Because of the impact I can have on each program I support. High school sports play a crucial role in the development of student-athletes, both on and off the field, and I want to be part of that journey.”
With the new athletic facility’s fundraising almost complete, construction will start soon. However, this will not be Mr. Thomas’s first time working with the construction of a new facility. During his time at Ole Miss, Mr. Thomas, “Was part of the planning, design, and construction process for the new $30 million softball stadium, which is set to open in a few weeks.” Mr. Thomas is just as excited about the new athletic facility and looks forward to its opening. He says that he hopes, “To bring my experience from that project to the development of the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Athletic Center here at Lake Highland.”
While the new athletic facility will be Mr. Thomas’s first big project with the school, he hopes to be a key part of every program’s success. He states, “My goal is to serve each program, coach, and athlete as if they are the only program on campus. Every sport is unique and deserves a tailored approach to ensure its success. Additionally, I want to contribute to the development of student-athletes beyond their sport—helping them grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally to become well-rounded individuals.” Not only does Mr. Thomas work directly with the school’s athletic program, but he looks to help the campus anywhere he can, reflecting on what it truly means to be a Highlander. He explains, “I plan to be actively involved by stepping in wherever I’m needed. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from the head coaches I’ve worked with is that no job is too small. Whether it’s grabbing a rake, setting up the gym, or painting lines on the field, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to support our coaches and make their jobs easier.”
Since he started, Mr. Thomas has impacted the lives of many coaches and student-athletes. He explains, “Since joining Lake Highland, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and gain a deeper understanding of their roles in supporting our student-athletes. I’ve focused on streamlining communication and information-sharing processes, making it easier for coaches to access what they need while ensuring student-athletes have the best possible experience. Additionally, I’ve also prioritized finding ways to support coaches with logistical needs so they can focus on coaching and developing their athletes. As I continue to grow in this role, I look forward to creating even more opportunities that elevate our programs and contribute to the overall success of Lake Highland athletics.”
Mr. Thomas has also been able to watch the Winter and Spring sports in action, although, “I might have a slight bias toward baseball and softball since I’ve worked in those sports for so long, but I’m excited to branch out and experience new ones. Basketball and soccer have been a lot of fun to watch, and earlier this month, we hosted our annual wrestling duel. It was my first time watching the sport; it was an incredible experience!”
While Mr. Thomas has been able to watch our student-athletes and has been able to accomplish so much already, he has faced a few challenges. He says, “The biggest challenge I’ve encountered is familiarizing myself with all the sports on campus. In my previous roles, I was on the coaching staff, so transitioning to the administrative side of athletics has been an adjustment. Also, I keep getting stuck in the afternoon car pickup line—hopefully, I can figure out a more strategic way to avoid that!”
With Mr. Thomas’s immediate success in Lake Highland’s athletic program, while working with Ms. Schreiber and Mr. Grenci, Lake Highland’s athletic program will reach new levels of success starting with the construction of the new athletic training facility. Working closely with the coaches and student-athletes, Mr. Thomas is bringing his college experience and expertise to a new level at Lake Highland. With new developments and new projects, the future is bright for Lake Highland’s athletic program. Students and faculty cannot wait for LHP’s improved athletic facilities and stadiums!
