Students are returning this weekend to SPIRE Academy’s integrated program of academics, athletics and personal skill development to begin the 2020-21 school year. And while newly built, Olympic Village-style residential housing awaits SPIRE’s students, it’s not the buildings themselves that will add such remarkable value to the SPIRE experience. Even more important and impressive will be the diverse and talented group of House parents who will be on hand to greet them.

Former high-performing student athletes themselves, these House parents are responsible for building a supportive community in each residence, creating a safe and healthy environment, and offering both academic and emotional guidance when needed. This gifted team of House parents has been carefully selected by SPIRE’s campus life team for their experience and expertise in supporting and mentoring student athletes through a variety of challenges and opportunities.

“Our House parents are an important and integral part of the overall experience for our student athletes,” said SPIRE’s Co-managing Director Rich O’Dell, “and as such, we concentrate a significant effort in our hiring for each of these very important and key positions. The goal is to hire mature, responsible, kind and caring individuals to make the living experience for each of our athletes a positive and memorable one. I believe the team of House parents we have assembled is at a level that few–if any– other academies can claim.”

SPIRE’s outstanding team of House parents for the 2020-21 school year includes:

Tristan Slater interned as a strength and conditioning intern while earning his Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Recreation and Sports Management from the University of Tennessee. His coaching experience includes internships as an assistant pole vault coach with the Capital City Striders and as a Cross Country intern with Knoxville Youth Athletics. Tristan is a soccer referee, a volunteer with Special Olympics, and is certified in first aid and CPR.

Emily Presley earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion & Wellness from Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). She competed at the highest levels during all four years at MSSU, earning the university’s Female Athlete of the Year and the Track & Field Team’s MVP in 2017 and 2018. Emily was also a member of MSSU’s kinesiology club, worked as a Wellness Director intern, and assisted rec center patrons with their exercise regimens.

“House parents at a boarding school like SPIRE are the institutional glue,” said SPIRE’s Managing Director Rich O’Dell. “They are trained to listen, understand and help find solutions to the opportunities and obstacles of growing up.”