We are pleased to announce that Zack Alvidrez, a leader in high school athletics and former professional athlete, has been named Rowland Hall’s next director of athletics.

Zack is currently the school’s assistant athletic director and varsity boys basketball head coach. He will begin his new role on July 1 and has been tasked with leading an already strong Rowland Hall Athletics program into a new era.

“Our foundation has been established and defined,” said Zack. Indeed, Rowland Hall prides itself on being a leader in 2A and 3A athletics in the state—as of late April 2024, the school holds 71 state and 142 region titles, six of which were added in this school year alone. Rowland Hall also provides a unique experience for student-athletes. Thanks to our size, athletes get far more play time than they might at larger local schools. Rowland Hall students are also more likely to participate in school sports: this year, 79% of middle and upper school students were on school sports teams. Beyond building skills, these athletic opportunities provide social-emotional support for students, further connecting them to their peers and school community. Zack knows it’s important to continue to provide this experience.

“I’ve had a boots-on-the-ground perspective, seen through the lens of student-athletes,” he said, which has helped him understand what students need and how to best support them. “My philosophy is to continue the tradition of athletics that’s been established at Rowland Hall. I’m going to do that by mixing together healthy competition with the skill of problem solving through education-based learning.”

But for Zack, a solid program foundation is just the start. He’s also excited about growth.

“I want to bring athletics to the forefront by showcasing student-athletes, coaches, and our facilities through social media and outreach opportunities,” he said. Additionally, the school’s upcoming move to a larger campus and new athletic facilities will allow for more Upper School students—and as a result, more athletes.

We have exciting teams and programs, phenomenal athletes and coaches. Come out and support them, and meet me if you don’t already know me. Come say hello, let's have a conversation and build relationships.—Zack Alvidrez

Importantly, Zack is the best person to lead this charge. Out of a pool of more than 80 national candidates and four finalists, the longtime Rowland Hall coach was the most prepared for the director of athletics role.

“Zack stood out from a large, deep pool of candidates from across the country,” said Upper School Principal Ingrid Gustavson. “His approach is all in and kid-first. He shows up to support students and peer coaches, and encourages school spirit in the student body. He has already developed relationships with coaches and admin at member schools and in the greater Utah athletics community. We are confident in his ability to continue Kendra Tomsic's legacy of a competitive and inclusive athletics program, while also finding opportunities to grow our offerings and exposure.”

A former high school varsity athlete himself, Zack joined Rowland Hall as the Middle School girls and boys basketball coach in fall 2016 after playing basketball professionally for seven years in Mexico and then working as a coach. Over the years, he’s taken on additional roles across the Lincoln Street Campus: Upper School boys varsity basketball coach, advisor, health teacher, and assistant director of athletics. He is honored to have been selected for this new opportunity to impact students and the school community he calls home.

“It means everything to me,” said Zack. “The pride I have in this community and this school means so much.” And he hopes he can encourage even more people to catch Winged Lion fever.

“We have exciting teams and programs, phenomenal athletes and coaches,” said Zack. “Come out and support them, and meet me if you don’t already know me. Come say hello, let's have a conversation and build relationships.”

Athletics