Stephanie Bradshaw has joined the Darlington Community as a science teacher for grades 7-8 and assistant girls' coach for Darlington School Soccer Academy.
"I aim to inspire each and every student I teach, coach and come into contact with to be the best they can be every day," she shared. "I feel it is my duty to ensure every one of them is provided with an excellent education and experience while at Darlington School by educating and leading every student to the best of my ability and instilling trust, respect, pride, and drive in all of them."
Bradshaw says it was the influence of two charismatic adults in her own life who helped shape her career path.
"Growing up in England, I had two outstanding role models who were educators," Bradshaw explained. "Lisa Dolan was my physical education teacher and she showed me it was possible to have an everlasting passion for sports and the human body. She led by example, teaching me the responsibilities of being an active member of the local community by having respect for other people and showing genuine care for others.
"Melvin Jays was my assistant headmaster throughout my high school years," she continued. "He always made it his No. 1 priority to get to know each student on a first-name basis. This was important to me because it showed me that teaching was not the sole purpose of an educator. I have coached collegiate soccer for the past two years and being in that leadership role helped me identify how I can impact my students’ lives. Thinking back to my own school experiences, I aspire to be as caring, dedicated and influential as Lisa Dolan and Melvin Jays."
Bradshaw holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of North Alabama, where she played collegiate soccer for four years. She also has an M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education from Valdosta State University, where she served most recently as a graduate assistant women's soccer coach.
"I have been playing soccer for most of my life and the passion I have for the sport keeps growing year after year," she said. "I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge of the game with the girls in the Soccer Academy."
Bradshaw also has a USSF National “C” Coaching License and finished up her USSF National “B” Coaching License this summer. A member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators, she is American Red Cross certified in CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers and has an Active IQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor Certificate.
"Darlington's beautiful and breath-taking campus got my attention when I visited campus in the summer of 2013 to complete a U.S. Soccer coaching license," Bradshaw recalled. "I felt the sense of unity from the faculty and staff and could see the pride they felt of being apart of the Darlington family. I knew at that point that Darlington was a place that I could call home."
Bradshaw added that she is very excited to be a part of Cooper House, the first-year girls' house, and to be a campus resident.
"I hope to contribute to all aspects of Darlington School and life," she said.
In her free time, Bradshaw likes to watch movies, work out, go on long walks, hike, ride her bike, paint and -- of course -- play soccer. She also enjoys visiting with her family on FaceTime since her parents live in Hong Kong and the rest of her family still lives in England.
