After three years at the helm of the Eastern Mennonite School boys varsity basketball program, Chad Seibert announced his resignation from that role, as well as his middle and high school physical education teaching roles.

Seibert made the announcement to varsity boys basketball team players and families, as well as co-workers, on Friday, May 14.

During his tenure, with a combined win-loss record of 52 – 23, Coach Seibert led the basketball team to three consecutive Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) state semi final appearances, finishing as state runner up in 2019 and 20. Along with this accomplishment, the 2019-20 team won the Division II Virginia Independent Conference (VIC) championship.

“Chad developed game plans and a playing style that brought out the best in our athletes,” said Andrew Gascho, athletic director. “This allowed them to showcase their gifts and abilities for the good of the team. There’s nothing more exciting in my role than walking into a packed gym of students cheering on their classmates.”

Seibert’s prior coaching stints included three years with Eastern Mennonite University’s men’s team, four years as head boys varsity basketball coach at Turner Ashby, and assistant coach at Boulder (Colo.) High School.

“Chad has given generously of his time to the school, particularly the basketball family,” says Paul Leaman, head of school. “He and his wife, Jessica, have opened their home to students and volunteered extensively with the whole school, most notably developing the elementary extracurricular athletic program.”

Seibert leaves the school to focus on his daughters’ middle and high school years, and expects to continue to mentor and support former players.

“The future of boys basketball at EMS is bright,” Seibert believes. “The program remains talented with sky high expectations and promise.”

EMS will begin an immediate search to fill the roles of physical education teacher and boys varsity basketball coach.

LETTER FROM COACH SEIBERT TO THE EMS COMMUNITY

My family’s journey at EMS began 8 years ago when my daughters Augusta and Hazel began Kindergarten at the old campus near Cornerstone. I enjoyed helping out in the classrooms there, subbing occasionally, going on field trips, and just being a dad. Our family’s involvement in the school has continued to grow over the years, as I began working at Parkview Credit Union near the school, and coaching mens’ basketball as an assistant at EMU. We built our dream home right behind the school. Eight years ago my wife Jessica began a new role as the elementary athletic director and we have both volunteered our time revamping the school’s youth programs, including soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and a running club in the spring, growing elementary sports to an 85% participation level.

Three years ago I was hired to teach PE and coach varsity boys basketball here at the school and it has been an amazing experience. Our basketball program achieved great things and my teaching has introduced new relationships with students and families that I will cherish forever. Teaching and coaching are both incredibly rewarding, and I enjoyed every part of it. I was honored to work alongside former EMU standout Eli Crawford, who also dedicated three years to the program.

During the course of my three years here there have also been many changes. Most recently, we forged through a global pandemic together serving every student whether in person or online for the entire year. Like other people and businesses that have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic over the last year, the administration has shifted priorities and I no longer feel like this is the right fit for me, for my family, or for the administration. Along with that, my daughters have grown in their own love for sports and other activities and I want to prioritize being present for them in their middle and high school years and for important moments in their lives. I am also stepping aside for the administration to find a better fit on its path forward. Like any long road trip, sometimes you drive, and sometimes you’re the passenger. I’m not getting out of the car so to speak, but merely changing seats for a while.

My former players still reach out to me all the time, and being a mentor to young men and seeing them succeed in the world is gratifying. I feel I am leaving the basketball program (which was already good) in a better spot than I found it and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve done. I’m leaving a loaded program with sky high expectations. GO FLAMES!

Valuable things have high prices and while I am sad to shift my role in the community that has been such a large part of my family’s life for the past eight years, I’m looking forward to God’s next opportunity for me and embracing all the challenges and changes ahead.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Gratefully,

Coach Chad Seibert