Independence Local Schools hired Brett Diehl as the district's new athletic director at the April 16 Board of Education meeting. There were 115 candidates with four rounds of interviews including parents, community members, coaches, and administrators, all who were involved throughout the process.
Diehl comes to Independence with extensive experience in athletic administration and coaching. He most recently served as the Athletic Director at Olentangy Orange High School from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that, he was the Athletic Manager at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School from 2013 to 2019.
Diehl holds a Principal's Licensure from Muskingum University and a Master's of Science in Integrating Technology into the Classroom from Walden University. He also has a Bachelor of Science in AYA Math/Integrated Mathematics from Defiance College.
In addition to his administrative experience, Diehl has coached football, boys basketball, boys lacrosse, and middle school track over the past 15 years.
As athletic director, Diehl will be responsible for overseeing the district's entire athletic program, including hiring and evaluating coaches, managing the athletic budget, scheduling contests and events, and maintaining athletic facilities. He will work with student-athletes, parents, and staff across the district's elementary, middle, and high school levels.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brett to the Independence Blue Devils’ family," said Interim Superintendent Tom Dreiling. "His extensive background in athletic administration and coaching, combined with his strong leadership skills and commitment to student success, make him the ideal candidate to lead our athletic department."
Diehl is looking forward to the opportunity, stating, "I am honored to be named the next athletic director of Independence Local Schools. I am excited to work with the student-athletes, coaches, parents, and community to build upon the district's rich tradition of athletic excellence."