Nipmuc Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt Named AD of the Year

Nipmuc Regional High School Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt was named Athletic Director of the Year by the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors’ Association. (Photo Courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District)

MENDON — Superintendent Maureen Cohen, and Co-Principals Mary Anne Moran and John Clements are pleased to share that Nipmuc Regional High School Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt was named Athletic Director of the Year by the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors’ Association (MSSADA).

Schmidt, now in his 11th year leading Nipmuc’s athletic program, was selected for his wide-ranging impact on student-athletes, coaches, and the broader landscape of interscholastic athletics across Massachusetts. The award will be formally presented on March 26.

Schmidt, a former social studies teacher and assistant principal, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“To be acknowledged by one’s peers is a great honor,” Schmidt said. “I am privileged to be able to share this award with a community that has been so supportive these past 11 years.”

During his tenure at Nipmuc, Schmidt has built an athletic program rooted in leadership development, student well-being, competitive excellence, and strong community partnerships. Those efforts included forging numerous partnerships and collaborations with organizations like the Kyle Cares Foundation, Champions 101, and Character Counts, focusing on student-athlete leadership, mental health, and holistic well-being.

And on top of his work at Nipmuc, Schmidt has made substantial contributions at both the regional and state levels.

For the past six years, Schmidt has served as the District 2 Chairperson for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), helping shape policy, programming, and support systems for schools throughout Central Massachusetts. He is also a certified National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) instructor and has helped train approximately 50 athletic directors statewide, supporting their professional growth and leadership development.

Schmidt regularly leads coaches’ education workshops through both the MIAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), contributing to the professional learning of hundreds of coaches across Massachusetts.

Schmidt previously received MSSADA’s Theodore “Ted” Damko Award in 2018, MSSADA’s Professional Development Award in 2021-2022 and the District 2 MSSADA Athletic Director of the Year Award in 2023.

In addition to those accomplishments, Schmidt played a key role in the creation of the Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference (CMAC), which officially launched earlier this year following the merger of multiple conferences, including the Inter High, Dual Valley Conference, Southern Worcester County League, Colonial Athletic League, and former members of the Central Mass Conference. The 34-school conference is designed to enhance competition, promote sportsmanship, and create equitable opportunities for student-athletes.

Schmidt will also serve as President of the CMAC Athletic Directors for this school year.

Nipmuc coaches applauded Schmidt for his leadership and character.

“I believe that Chris Schmidt truly deserves the Athletic Director of the Year Award because of his unwavering support and trust,” said Field Hockey Coach Rachel Robbins. “He gives me the freedom to lead in the way that best helps my team succeed, while always being available when I need guidance or advice. His confidence in my abilities has allowed me to grow and become a more confident, effective coach, and his leadership has had a meaningful impact on both the athletes and the coaching staff.”

Nipmuc student-athletes also praised the passion Schmidt shows for his work and his care for the students.

“Mr. Schmidt is an incredible athletic director, but he is an even better person,” said student-athlete Alexander Varney. “His character and his passion for his craft make him the perfect candidate for the Massachusetts Athletic Director of the Year. Being one of his athletic interns this school year has allowed me to understand the level of detail and enthusiasm he puts into his work each day.”

Schmidt is one of several Nipmuc educators recently recognized for state-level excellence, along with Science Department Chairperson James Gorman, who was named the 2024 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year, and Social Studies Teacher Darcy Daniels, who received the 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year Award.

“I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of this award than Chris,” said Co-Principal John Clements. “He is always there for our students and coaches throughout the year. He has made such an important contribution to our program that goes far beyond wins and losses. Through his leadership, Nipmuc Athletics is a source of pride, culture and connection for our students and community.”

“His ability to put students first, combined with his incredible work ethic, is one of the major reasons we have such a vibrant athletic program,” said Co-Principal Mary Anne Moran. “I am thrilled to see him receive the credit he has so rightly earned.”

Superintendent Maureen Cohen praised Schmidt’s achievement and its significance for the school district, noting his commitment to Nipmuc’s students, coaches, and families.

“Chris Schmidt’s leadership has transformed the student-athlete experience at Nipmuc. His commitment to developing leaders, supporting coaches, and strengthening community partnerships has elevated our entire district,” Superintendent Cohen said. “This recognition is a testament not only to his statewide impact, but also to the daily work he invests in our students with integrity, care, and an unwavering belief in their potential. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor with him.”

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