Indian Hill School District Athletic Director Brian Phelps joined the Brave family in 2020 and has worked tirelessly to continue to elevate the excellence we provide within our comprehensive athletic program. From State Champion titles in multiple sports, to the celebration of athletic signing days, we offer an unparalleled athletic experience, providing our students opportunities for growth outside the classroom.
We sat down with Brian for a Q&A to learn more about all that makes our athletics uniquely Indian Hill, and we started by focusing on our new #IHPromise strategic plan.
Indian Hill School District (IHSD): Within our athletics program, how do we develop Learners as Doers, Learners as Individuals, and Learners as the Whole Child?
Brian Phelps (BP): Indian Hill student-athletes are an integral part of our student body and they prove that throughout the year on the field, the court, the pool, the mat, the track and on the course. Our student-athletes embrace, value, and demonstrate our school’ s philosophy of Learners as Doers, Learners as Individuals, and Learners as the Whole Child.
Whether they are breaking records in the pool, pitching a shutout on the diamond, or scoring the winning goal, our student-athletes develop the skills of Learners as Doers. They use their skills that they have learned during their many hours of practice and translating those skills to their competition.
The creativity that each student-athlete possesses as they drive to the basket, make a move on the wrestling mat, or strategize during a tennis match, emphasizes their ability and skills of Learners as Individuals. Although there is some creative personality involved, it is also a result of practicing these different scenarios over and over during their careers.
Learners as the Whole Child is developed over time as our student-athletes overcome obstacles along their path. Striking out with bases loaded, missing a free throw, or serving the ball out of bounds may not seem like a desired outcome, but they are building blocks to future success. Who has ever succeeded without failures along the way? Better athletes and better people are not developed during an event, a game, a match, or a competition, but instead the whole child is developed with many experiences, both good and bad, along the way.
IHSD: What is the one thing you want all stakeholders to know about athletics at the Indian Hill School District?
BP: Our students are given the opportunity to excel and have experiences that are unparalleled. Enthusiasm and trust is generated by having top-level coaches who care about our students and have a passion for creating great experiences. Our facilities are second to none, and we are grateful to be a part of the finest school district around. And, we are committed to winning.
IHSD: What was a standout moment for you this school year?
BP: Year after year, we have so many standout moments. I think about our cheerleaders competing at the national level (again) at Disney and our girls’ basketball team winning the league Championship for the fourth year in a row. Junior Gibson Holmes winning two more state championships in the pool. Basketball player Ella Riggs breaking both the girls and boys all-time scoring record at Indian Hill. Our boys’ soccer coach, Bryan Daniel, being named the division two Ohio State Coach of the Year and the hiring of football legend, Coach John Rodenberg. Both our boys’ and girls’ tennis teams continue to be two of the best programs around, not only at the league level, but also at the state level. The runners that Coach Susan Savage produces year after year in both cross country and track & field are absolutely amazing. How about another year of double digit student-athletes deciding to follow their passion and participating at the NEXT LEVEL?
Did I miss anything?
Absolutely, I did!
The point being, year after year, our student-athletes create standout moments ALL THE TIME!
IHSD: Anything else you would like to add?
BP: I, personally, am extremely fortunate to not only be a part of Indian Hill as an employee, but I am also lucky to have my own children a part of this community. What a privilege! I work with outstanding colleagues who dedicate themselves to serving students and creating memorable experiences. Our students are the best. Our school is the best. Our community is the best. Go Braves!
Photo caption: Indian Hill Athletic Director Brian Phelps celebrates an outstanding State Final Four season for the Indian Hill Field Hockey team.