We are pleased to introduce our new Athletic Director for the 2022-2023 school year, Coach Andy Brannigan. Coach Brannigan comes to us from North Hills Christian School, where he served as Athletic Director since 2017.
Coach Brannigan has been coaching soccer for 29 years, including experience coaching clubs, high school teams, and collegiate teams. Before becoming the Athletic Director at North Hills Christian School, he was the Assistant Coach for Catawba College’s Men’s Soccer team. Beyond experience in athletics, Coach Brannigan also brings experience in business administration. This knowledge will help him with organizing and promoting our Athletic Department, including building relationships with students, families, and other schools. While soccer is the sport he coaches, he loves athletics in general and is excited to connect with students and coaches at Salem: “I want to bring a fresh exciting atmosphere to our athletic programs that will hopefully help grow the school and let people in the Winston Salem community see our Viking spirit as our student-athletes achieve great things!”
For Coach Brannigan, athletics is an avenue to teach skills and instill life lessons that will continue to impact student-athletes throughout their lives. He believes that teaching Christian sportsmanship is a crucial component of an athletic program at a Christian school. He also sees student-athletes as students first, and he is committed to helping our student-athletes excel academically. He views participation in athletics as a privilege and will hold athletes accountable for their grades through academic eligibility for sports. He also will help struggling student-athletes get the academic support they need to improve their academic standing. This philosophy aligns with Salem’s mission statement: “to challenge students to achieve in an academically excellent environment while nurturing their love for and service to God and others.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This verse has guided Coach Brannigan through many situations and led him to Salem. We are excited to see how God will use him at Salem next year.