Grandville — The Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association has named Grandville’s Brian Parsons its Region IV Athletic Director of the Year for the 2023-24 school year.
Parsons is the athletic director at Grandville High School, where he’s worked for the last 20 years. During that time, he has grown the athletic program to 28 varsity programs, including more unique additions such as boys and girls rugby, boys volleyball, powerlifting and esports.
Parsons told School News Network the award is special to him “because my colleagues across West Michigan believed in me enough to nominate me for the award.”
“Grandville is an incredible district and I am so thankful for their support for both me and our athletic community. My longevity in Grandville is because of the amazing administration, staff, parents and students,” he said. “Winning athletic contests is always the goal but it is not attainable all the time. The goal of our athletic program is for our athletes and coaches to compete at the highest level possible, be tough to play against, to be gritty and to respect your opponent. The culture we strive for is one of competition, hard work, having multi-sport athletes, working together and representing Grandville in a positive way.”
Parsons started his teaching career in East Grand Rapids before moving to Grandville. While in his current position, he has worked closely with the Michigan High School Athletic Association, including hockey and boys lacrosse committees, and has also presented at the MIAAA’s national conference.
“Brian has created a culture within the Grandville athletics department that demands collaboration between coaches and the highest level of sportsmanship,” high school Principal Adam Lancto said in a statement. “There is not enough that can be said about how Brian has changed the culture of athletics at Grandville Public Schools for the better.”
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