Kenny Sholl
For years, if not decades, Kenny Sholl often dreamed of ending his McCallie administrative career on the athletic side of campus.
“But God had other plans,” Mr. Sholl said recently. “And I’ve immensely enjoyed all the roles I’ve had over the last 40 years at this very special school.”
Yet beginning this month, that dream finally comes true. Mr. Sholl is transitioning from assistant head of school to executive athletic director. Current AD Jeff Romero will retain his title while shifting his daily focus to event management and planning, overseeing the media and social media arm of the department, as well as playing a significant role in scheduling.
As for Mr. Sholl, his primary focus over the next few months as he remains on the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s legislative council will be to help the organization deal with the new Name, Image and Likeness rules and how member schools can best execute them.
“Kenny has served our school in so many different roles, and always with excellence and faithfulness,” said head of school Lee Burns this week. “With his experience on the legislative council and the new NIL challenges, it just made sense to make this change. Plus, Kenny and Jeff will work well together. Their different strengths really complement each other.”
Added Mr. Sholl, “Jeff has been wonderful in welcoming me to the athletic department. I’m looking forward to working with him and continuing the amazing success our teams have enjoyed in recent years.”
As he begins his 41st year on the Ridge, Mr. Sholl has indeed worn many hats, everything from assistant football coach and head baseball coach to Dean of Students, Upper School Head and both Associate and Assistant Head of School.
“And while Kenny’s role with the legislative council will take up a good deal of his time right now, he’ll also be assisting me on special projects,” said Mr. Burns. “The biggest thing is to make sure, as with everything else here, that we continue to run our athletic department the right way, the McCallie way, and we know that Kenny and Jeff will continue to do that.”