Nate Wong will join A+ Charters Schools as athletic director for the 2021-2022 school year.
Wong, 40, will build a program at the new school that was halted by COVID-19.
Formerly, Wong served as the director of Athletics and Community Development at Sequoia Pathway Academy in Maricopa. During his tenure, the Pumas became one of the premier charter athletic programs in the state, winning 5 varsity championships in the CAA (one as a girls basketball coach). He left in 2018.
A+ Charter Schools Principal Rachele Reese said Wong was a good fit due to his commitment to athletics as part of a comprehensive educational program and passion of integrating the greater community with the school.
“Extra-curricular activities, such as sports, provide a great way to empower students outside of the classroom to continue to develop important qualities needed as they transition into adulthood,” Reese said. “We are excited for the vision Nate will bring to further enhance our school and local community.”
As for his expectations, Wong says it’s simple.
“I’ve always asked our coaches to win and they will win if they are competent, professional and compassionate,” he said. “It will be my job along with our teachers and campus leadership to put our student-athletes and coaches in a position to be successful.”
Wong added he and campus leadership share similar core values and he is eager to join Reese, whose husband Mat Reese was a longtime athletic director at Maricopa High School, and Lauren Gray, director of curriculum.
“They understand the support we will need to provide excellent programming and opportunities to our student-athletes,” he added. “Most importantly, I believe in their call to empower students. As Maricopans, nothing is worthy of greater investment than our young people and their educational experience and academic success.”
The A+ Charter School Archers will enter the 2021-22 school year anticipating a full slate of varsity and junior high athletic programs. The school will serve grades 7-11 for the 2021-22 school year, and add grade 12 the following year.
If you are interested in learning more about A+Charter Schools, visit www.aplusaz.org, call the office at 520-265-5589, or follow the school on Facebook or Instagram.
