Zeitler Named SAS Director of Athletics

St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School’s 17-year veteran coach, teacher and house parent Rob Zeitler has been chosen to be the school’s next director of athletics. He succeeds the Rev. Ellis Mayfield, who will retire at the end of this school year.

 In making the announcement the Rev. John Thomas, head of school, said, “With the right combination of intensity and compassion, Rob draws the absolute best out of each athlete and team. Win or lose, I have always been proud to have Rob representing SAS. Rob brings the deep respect of our peer-school coaches and a breadth of experience with boys’ and girls’ athletics that spans generations of students. I know that Rob is a leader and motivator who will help our coaches, athletes and our whole program compete.”

 Zeitler joined St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School in 1996. In his 17-year tenure, he has served as assistant director of athletics, volleyball coach, varsity boys’ basketball coach, health and fitness instructor, and physical education instructor. Rob, his wife, Courtnay, and their three children live on the SAS campus, where Rob also serves as lead house parent for Harvey House, one of the boys’ residential houses.

 “I am looking forward to working with our strong coaching staff, developing competitive student athletes, healthy relationships and teaching life lessons on the court and athletic field,” said Zeitler.

 Zeitler has been integral in developing the basketball and volleyball programs at SAS. As head coach of varsity boys’ basketball, he has built a team that is competitive every year and has a strong tradition. 

He started middle school volleyball, which has developed into a strong program with more than 15 players. The girls’ varsity and junior varsity teams, which he coaches, have also had strong participation for the past three years. The varsity volleyball team won the regional championship in 2008. As a classroom teacher, Zeitler developed the health and fitness curriculum to meet national standards.

 Zeitler holds a B.S. in physical education from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and an M.S. in sports administration from Georgia State University. Prior to coming to SAS, he taught physical education and English at Brandon Hall School in Atlanta and St. Francis Day School in Roswell, Ga.