Hemlock Public School District is searching for an exceptional leader to build upon one of the premier athletic programs in Michigan.
Following the announcement that Athletic Director Angela Pohl has elected to pursue new professional opportunities outside the district, Hemlock Public School District has officially launched its search for its next athletic leader. Rather than filling the position through a traditional hiring process, the district is posting two leadership opportunities and will select the strongest candidate from the combined applicant pool.
The available positions include:
• Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Candidates are encouraged to apply for the position that best aligns with their qualifications and career goals. Individuals who believe they are qualified for either opportunity may indicate that they wish to be considered as part of both candidate pools.
"This is about much more than replacing an athletic director," said Superintendent Don Killingbeck. "We are looking for someone who will embrace our culture, invest in relationships, develop coaches, and continue building experiences that our students, families, and community deserve. Whether that person comes through the Athletic Director position or the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director position, our goal is simple: hire the very best leader."
The Assistant Principal/Athletic Director position has been intentionally designed as a leadership development opportunity for aspiring building principals. It provides meaningful experience in school leadership while allowing an individual to lead one of the district's most visible programs.
Hemlock's athletic program has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. The district has expanded athletic opportunities for students, added new varsity programs, enhanced facilities, strengthened community engagement, and consistently invested in providing student-athletes with exceptional experiences.
Today, student-athletes compete in facilities that rival many much larger districts. The campus features the new Legend Gymnasium, a world-class strength and conditioning center, the Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse, Wallace Field, the Don Krueger Track, four competition gymnasiums, outstanding outdoor athletic venues, and continued investments that support year-round training and competition.
Just as important, the district is blessed with an outstanding coaching staff.
"Our coaches are among the very best you'll find," said Board of Education President Matt Wesener. "They are tremendous teachers, mentors, and leaders who pour countless hours into developing young people. We have exceptional facilities, outstanding community support, and coaches who genuinely care about students. The next athletic director won't be starting from scratch. They'll have the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team and help take an already outstanding program to an even higher level."
The results speak for themselves. Hemlock student-athletes regularly compete for conference, district, regional, and even state championships. Each year, approximately six or more Huskie student-athletes continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level, a reflection of both the quality of the athletic program and the commitment of its students and coaches.
"Our mission has never been simply to win games," Killingbeck said. "Our mission is to provide a world-class experience for every student-athlete while creating opportunities to compete at the highest level. That means building relationships, supporting coaches, developing leadership, creating unforgettable experiences, and helping young people become successful long after the final whistle."
The district is seeking candidates who are visible, organized, relationship-driven leaders with exceptional communication skills and a passion for serving students. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment while supporting coaches, staff, students, families, officials, and community members throughout the school year.
"This position is demanding," Killingbeck said. "It requires evenings, weekends, and a genuine commitment to serving others. But for someone who believes in building culture, developing people, and creating opportunities for students, there are few positions in education that offer a greater opportunity to make a lasting difference."
Applications for both positions are now being accepted.
Interested candidates should review the qualifications for each posting and apply for the position that best reflects their experience. Candidates wishing to be considered for both opportunities may indicate that preference during the application process.
At Hemlock Public School District, athletics are more than competition. They are an extension of our educational mission and another way we prepare students for success in school, in college, in careers, and in life.
Hemlock | Small Town. Big Opportunities.