News

The Out-of-Door Academy Appoints New Athletic Director

Mr. Andres Parra Brings Wealth of Experience to Thunder Athletics
Sarasota, FL, March 2022 – After an extensive nationwide search, The Out-of-Door Academy is pleased to announce Mr. Andres Parra as the Athletic Director, effective July 1, 2022.

Parra comes to ODA from the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, where he has been Director of Boys Athletics for 13 years. In addition to the wealth of knowledge and experience he has accumulated, Mr. Parra is a bilingual, Certified Athletics Administrator (CAA) with a master’s degree in Athletic Administration. His philosophy syncs with ODA’s core values as he values hard work, team building, and cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with respect, honesty, and integrity. 

“I am honored and excited to serve as the next Director of Athletics at The Out-of-Door Academy,” Parra shared. “Through strong and vibrant Athletics programs, ODA's commitment to character and well-being is strengthened and reinforced on the courts and fields. This is critical for each student's development, as it allows for self-definition and growth while also building resiliency and compassion. Being a part of the Thunder athletics program is a privilege that allows us to create life-changing experiences where students have significant, positive, and lifelong relationships and memories while competing and representing ODA with pride.” 

In his time at Bullis, Parra was involved in overseeing teams that won 21 conference championships, including the school’s first outright conference championships in football, baseball, lacrosse, and track and field. Bullis graduates have gone on to pursue collegiate athletics, as well as professional careers in the NFL and both Major League and European soccer leagues. 

Interim Head of School Jim Connor has confidence that Parra will take The Out-of-Door Academy’s athletic program to the next level. “Andres impressed incoming Head of School Mrs. Deb Otey, our Leadership Team, all with whom he interviewed, and me with his leadership, talent, and personal charm,” Mr. Connor said. “Andres was invited to assume the Director of Athletics position at the Bullis School at the age of twenty-eight and quickly won the respect of his older colleagues. During his tenure, the team built and sustained a competitive athletic program in an independent school similar to ours in size and in athletic culture.”

“I'm looking forward to collaborating with our gifted students, coaches, teachers, and members of the ODA community who are at the forefront of delivering on our school's mission,” Mr. Parra said.
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The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  COMING SOON

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

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