Welcome to Episode 190 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this episode, Murray Ellington ('26) talks with varsity coaches Justin Bruce (girls' golf), Mallory Collier (girls' lacrosse), Betina Fuentes (tennis), Anna Harris (track and field), Kevin Ivester (boys' soccer), Matt Larry (baseball), Brendan Leezer (boys' lacrosse), Stephani Perkins (track and field), Al Shorey (girls' soccer) and Jared Willerson (boy's golf) about the spring athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the season, from the pre-season to team bonding to their accomplishments and more.
Justin Bruce has served as a learning specialist at the Upper School since 2016 and is also the Upper School Registrar. He holds a B.S. in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University, a Masters in Special Education Adaptive Curriculum from the University of West Georgia, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. He is head coach of the middle school boys' J.V. basketball team and the girls' varsity golf team, also serving as assistant coach for middle school boys' varsity basketball and varsity boys' golf.
Mallory Collier has taught Upper School English since 2022 and serves as head girls' lacrosse coach. She holds a B.A. in English from Berry College and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.
Betina Fuentes has been teaching English at the Upper School since 2023 and also leads the English Department. In addition to teaching, she coaches both the boys' and girls' state champion tennis teams and the spirit cheerleading team. She earned her B.A. in Secondary English Education from the University of South Florida and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on differentiated learning and ESOL, from the University of Tampa.
Anna Harris has served as head softball coach, assistant track coach, and strength and speed assistant since 2019. She holds a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences and a Master of Science in Sports Management and Policy from the University of Georgia.
Kevin Ivester has taught math at Darlington since 1995 and currently teaches middle grades. He holds a B.S. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he played four years of soccer. Over the past 30 years, he has coached the boys' and girls' varsity soccer teams, winning multiple region titles, currently serving as the head coach of the boys' soccer team.
Matt Larry has served as Pre-K to 8 physical education teacher and head baseball coach since 2015. He is also an assistant softball coach. Matt holds a B.S. in Social Science from Shorter College and a Master of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University.
Brendan Leezer has taught science at the Upper School since 2016 and serves as head boys' lacrosse coach. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, a B.S. in Science from the University of Georgia, an M.Ed. in Science Education from Georgia State University, and certifications in Science (6-12), Earth/Space Science (6-12), Health & P.E. (P-12), and Math (6-12).
Stephani Perkins has taught Biology and Anatomy & Physiology at the Upper School since 2024 and serves as assistant coach for cross country and track and field. She holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University.
Al Shorey has taught math at the Upper School since 2013 and serves as head of the department and the head girls' soccer coach. A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, he holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy, an M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri at Rolla, a M.S. in Civil Engineering and Masters in Math from the University of Tennessee.
Jared Willerson has taught history at the Upper School since 2017, in addition to serving as head coach of the middle school golf program and boys' varsity golf team. He holds a B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga and an M.A. in Teaching, Learning and Corporate Training from Lee University.
The thrill of competition. The rush of a championship. Our athletic program offers you everything you'd expect from a private school. However, the Darlington athletic program is so much more. CLICK HERE to learn more about athletics at Darlington or schedule a private tour and see our facilities for yourself.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the communication and advancement teams, and is hosted by various members of the school community. Episodes are released biweekly on Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitwieler ('22) and Kathryn Davidson ('22). Jaclyn Haynes, Upper School science teacher, lends her voice, and editing and production is handled by Maddie Chastain, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
