Brookwood School Announces New Coaching Staff Appointments
Brookwood School is proud to announce the appointment of six distinguished coaches to its varsity athletic department for the upcoming school year. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Brookwood’s sports programs, ensuring students receive top-tier guidance and support.
Daryl Jones has been named the Football Defensive Coordinator and will also oversee strength and conditioning. Jones brings extensive experience in defensive strategy and athletic training.
“Daryl’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the game will undoubtedly inspire our athletes to excel both on and off the field,” beamed Jenny Lauderdale, Athletic Director of Brookwood School. "With his expertise guiding our athletes, we are confident in the continued success and growth of our football program."
Andrea Bentley, currently serving as the Lower School Director, will also take on the role of Cheer Sponsor. As a former coach at both Washington Middle School and Cairo High School, Bentley coached multiple squads, led successful competition teams, and received recognition such as being named Region 1-AAA Cheer Coach of the Year. Her passion for cheerleading is evident through her dedication to coaching and her involvement in dance education, including teaching dance classes and assisting with dance performances.
Jeanna Bryant, Lower School science teacher, will also serve as the Varsity Assistant Clay Target Coach and Liaison. Bryant’s dynamic leadership and passion for the sport will be invaluable to the Warriors’ thriving programs.
Alex Papanicolopoulos has been appointed Head Coach for Cross Country. Papanicolopoulos brings a robust educational background in English literature, including an M.A. from Cornell University and a B.A. summa cum laude from UCLA. With extensive teaching experience in high school and college settings, including instructing AP English Language and Composition and leading writing-intensive seminars, Papanicolopoulos is equipped with the skills to effectively communicate and inspire student athletes. His expertise in fostering critical thinking and communication skills will undoubtedly enhance his role as Head Coach for Cross Country, enabling him to guide and mentor the team to achieve both athletic and academic excellence.
Nik Schweikert takes on multiple roles, including Assistant Cross Country Coach, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Assistant Track and Field Coach, and Physical Education instructor. Schweikert’s versatile coaching skills will greatly benefit student-athletes across these disciplines.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nik to our coaching staff at Brookwood School," exclaimed Lauderdale. "His
multifaceted coaching experience makes him an invaluable addition. Nik's leadership in girls basketball matched with his focus on athletic culture reflects his commitment to holistic athletic development.”
Ryan Sowers has been appointed Head JV Girls Basketball Coach and Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Sowers brings a wealth of coaching experience, having served as Head Junior Varsity coach for girls' basketball at both Episcopal School of Jacksonville and Bartram Trail High School. His extensive involvement in travel-ball teams, athletic camps, and summer camps demonstrates his commitment to youth sports development.
“These new appointments mark the beginning of an exciting year for Warrior Athletics,” said Lauderdale. “Each coach brings unique strengths and a shared commitment to fostering both athletic excellence and personal growth in our student-athletes.”
Lauderdale notes that their expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly energize Brookwood’s programs,
developing well-rounded, competitive, and resilient students.
Back
Daryl Jones has been named the Football Defensive Coordinator and will also oversee strength and conditioning. Jones brings extensive experience in defensive strategy and athletic training.
“Daryl’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the game will undoubtedly inspire our athletes to excel both on and off the field,” beamed Jenny Lauderdale, Athletic Director of Brookwood School. "With his expertise guiding our athletes, we are confident in the continued success and growth of our football program."
Andrea Bentley, currently serving as the Lower School Director, will also take on the role of Cheer Sponsor. As a former coach at both Washington Middle School and Cairo High School, Bentley coached multiple squads, led successful competition teams, and received recognition such as being named Region 1-AAA Cheer Coach of the Year. Her passion for cheerleading is evident through her dedication to coaching and her involvement in dance education, including teaching dance classes and assisting with dance performances.
Jeanna Bryant, Lower School science teacher, will also serve as the Varsity Assistant Clay Target Coach and Liaison. Bryant’s dynamic leadership and passion for the sport will be invaluable to the Warriors’ thriving programs.
Alex Papanicolopoulos has been appointed Head Coach for Cross Country. Papanicolopoulos brings a robust educational background in English literature, including an M.A. from Cornell University and a B.A. summa cum laude from UCLA. With extensive teaching experience in high school and college settings, including instructing AP English Language and Composition and leading writing-intensive seminars, Papanicolopoulos is equipped with the skills to effectively communicate and inspire student athletes. His expertise in fostering critical thinking and communication skills will undoubtedly enhance his role as Head Coach for Cross Country, enabling him to guide and mentor the team to achieve both athletic and academic excellence.
Nik Schweikert takes on multiple roles, including Assistant Cross Country Coach, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Assistant Track and Field Coach, and Physical Education instructor. Schweikert’s versatile coaching skills will greatly benefit student-athletes across these disciplines.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nik to our coaching staff at Brookwood School," exclaimed Lauderdale. "His
multifaceted coaching experience makes him an invaluable addition. Nik's leadership in girls basketball matched with his focus on athletic culture reflects his commitment to holistic athletic development.”
Ryan Sowers has been appointed Head JV Girls Basketball Coach and Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Sowers brings a wealth of coaching experience, having served as Head Junior Varsity coach for girls' basketball at both Episcopal School of Jacksonville and Bartram Trail High School. His extensive involvement in travel-ball teams, athletic camps, and summer camps demonstrates his commitment to youth sports development.
“These new appointments mark the beginning of an exciting year for Warrior Athletics,” said Lauderdale. “Each coach brings unique strengths and a shared commitment to fostering both athletic excellence and personal growth in our student-athletes.”
Lauderdale notes that their expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly energize Brookwood’s programs,
developing well-rounded, competitive, and resilient students.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.