After Nearly Three Decades, Athletic Director Jeff Gates Retires

The booming voice of Athletic Director Jeff Gates is usually the first thing that student-athletes are greeted by upon entering the gym for practice. He’s bustling around the basketball court, directing teams to their buses and fetching spare uniforms for those who forgot their gym clothes at home.

Gates can be seen everywhere on campus. Whether it’s helping direct traffic at the Lower School drop-off or running Varsity Girls Softball practices, Gates is involved in many aspects of life here at the School.

Jeff Gates coaches his final season of Varsity Softball. Photo by David Barron.

Jeff Gates coaches his final season of Varsity Softball. Photo by David Barron.

After 29 years of service, Gates will be retiring at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. The Athletic Director position will be filled by Brett Kelly.

“Ask any child in our Lower School and you will hear about how much they love Mr. Gates.” Head of School Judith Guild said. “Jeff is a kind, patient, and positive influencer and has been for 29 years. He champions even the non-athlete to get out there and play. Never a cross word is heard towards a child, and I am so grateful for his willingness to always pitch in to help with all sorts of responsibilities and duties.”

Middle School Head Carl Valley also has nothing but admiration for the long-time Athletic Director.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Mr. Gates over these last few years," Vallely said. "He is so dedicated to our students and works incredibly hard. We’re so grateful for everything he’s done for our school, and we wish him all the very best.”

Gates’s presence will also be missed by the Varsity Girls’ Softball team, which Gates coached repeatedly throughout his career.

“I’ve been at Brimmer since first grade, so I’ve basically grown up with Mr, Gates,” Tahina Trias-Lizama ’22 said. “He’s been an incredible coach, and has helped me grow.”

Gates said he is feeling nostalgic as the school year begins to come to a close.

“The things I think about most with Brimmer and May are the athletes; the kids," Gates said. "The best part of my day starts in the morning with the Pre-K, then we get to the Middle School, then end with the high school. I look forward to every day, and working with everyone is probably what I’m going to miss the most.”

Past students, coaches, and alumni have spoken highly of Gates’s impact on their own lives as well as the School’s athletic program.

Michael Burns, who coached Varsity Boys Basketball and Varsity Boys Lacrosse here from 1991 to 2008, recalled working with Gates to jump-start the School’s sports program.

“He kept reminding me of my own abilities and that that was all we needed, along with the right support, to get the Boys Varsity Basketball and Lacrosse programs off and running," Bruns said. "I am forever appreciative of his spirit, his guidance, and the confidence in me he demonstrated during our six years together.”

While he has no vacation plans, Gates is looking forward to finding some retirement hobbies.

“I’m going to take it easy for a little while, then I’m going to be out there looking for something to keep me active, and something that I enjoy,” Gates said.

On Thursday, the School is inviting alumni to a special reception held in Gates’s honor.

Though he's retiring, there is no question that you will be able to spot Gates at some home games next year.

"I'll definitely be at a few games," Gates said. "Go, Gators."

Poster courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

Poster courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

Jeff Gates gets creative with Halloween in the late 1990s. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

The Gates family gathers on stage in 2013 for Heather and Nicole''s graduation. Photo by David Barron.

The Gates family gathers on stage in 2015 for Kevin and Kristin's graduation. Photo by David Barron.

Jeff Gates prepares for a class in the early 1990s. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

Jeff Gates and former history teacher and coach Michael Burns chat while watching a game. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

MICHAEL BURNS, FORMER HISTORY TEACHER AND COACH (1991-98): "Jeff was so supportive of me as we navigated the creation of the boy’s middle and upper school athletic programs. Neither of us had done anything like it before, but his good nature and positivity were crucial for overcoming the obstacles we faced. As we achieved a level of success in hops that required post-season tournaments and travel, we realized that as the head coach, I couldn’t be driver, trainer, and coach. He stepped right in, making sure we had what we needed to be successful. He even sat on the bench that first year of NEPSAC to help me out. This was, of course, when he and Mary were producing sets of twins in succession. I can think of no better person to have had as my athletic director in that time of learning. He kept reminding me of my own abilities and that that was all we needed, along with the right support, to get the Boys Varsity Basketball and Lacrosse programs off and running. I am forever appreciative of his spirit, his guidance, and the confidence in me he demonstrated during our six years together."

Jeff Gates chats with former Upper School Head Carolyn McKee in the late 1990s. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

CAROLYN MCKEE, FORMER UPPER SCHOOL HEAD (1986-2002): "Mr. Gates has certainly had a good run. What I remember most about him was his positivity, his endless energy, and his undying support of the student-athlete. Mr. Gates loves kids! And I have very fond memories of our Field Days, organized by Mr. Gates (and Mrs. Woods); they were wonderful community-building events. Working with him was so much fun!"

Former physical education teacher Kim Woods teaches a class with Jeff Gates in the early 1990s. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

KIM WOODS, FORMER PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER (1991-2019): "For 26 years, there was one constant for me at Brimmer and May: Jeff Gates. Jeff made it a pleasure to come to work every day, and you couldn't have asked for a better co-worker. Jeff's dedication to Brimmer, unparalleled energy, and enthusiasm was contagious. Nobody worked harder—except maybe his wife Mary—to give students and parents a positive experience. Over the years, I was the recipient of many of Jeff's acts of kindness. Whether it was supporting my curriculum ideas and equipment purchases, surprising me with flowers on my birthday, or bringing me cider donuts when I couldn't make the apple picking trip, he was always there for me. I will forever be grateful to Jeff and consider myself lucky to have him as a friend. Enjoy retirement, Jeff—it is well deserved."

Former Lower School Head Thomas Fuller chats with Jeff Gates during graduation in the early 2000s. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

THOMAS FULLER, FORMER LOWER SCHOOL HEAD (1994-2019): "From my first days at Brimmer in 1994, Jeff Gates impressed me with his love for teaching. He thoroughly enjoyed working with his students to help them develop both a positive attitude about physical activity and an understanding of how teamwork plays an important role in all parts of their lives, not just sports. I appreciated how he supported the unofficial Lower School philosophy of challenging students in an atmosphere that honors childhood. He worked well with students who didn’t always want to learn the skills necessary to play a sport; they just wanted to play a game. He did this by developing skill-building activities that were fun and satisfied the students’ desire for competition. Jeff’s emphasis on sportsmanship was exemplary. Often, when students played games, there would be a sportsmanship component to the scoring. It was a pleasure to work with Jeff during my 25-year tenure. His kindness and sense of humor are something."

Jeff Gates cheering on the Gators with his kids, Heather '13, Kevin '15, and Kristin '15 in 1999. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

HEATHER GATES '13: "I am so proud of my dad, Jeff Gates, for all of the work he has done to make Brimmer and the Athletic Department successful and enjoyable for individuals of all skill levels. Like hundreds of students at Brimmer over the years, he helped me to develop my passion for sports. I am incredibly grateful for this, as playing sports has led to some of my greatest friendships and memories. He put in so much work behind the scenes to make the Brimmer sports program run smoothly, which included a lot of work on the weekends and in the evenings beyond the typical school hours. He genuinely cares deeply about all of the students and has a special way of connecting with everyone, from the youngest Pre-K student to the oldest high school student. I will forever be thankful for him cheering me on from the sidelines as I represented Brimmer on the soccer field, basketball court, and softball diamond. I am so excited for my, and every Brimmer student-athlete's, biggest fan to retire."

History teacher and coach Ted Barker-Hook and Jeff Gates cheer on a game in the 2010s. Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.

TED BARKER-HOOK, COACH AND HISTORY TEACHER (2003—PRESENT): "Quietly and without any desire for the spotlight, Jeff Gates has been the relentless organizing force behind the incredible growth in our sports programs over the last several decades. His humble nature obscures the untold hours he dedicates to providing wonderful experiences for every student who has put on a Brimmer uniform. On a personal note, I cannot thank Jeff enough for the support he has given me through my 28 seasons of coaching varsity sports on Middlesex Road; nobody has been more helpful to me as I navigated the unpredictable waters of high school sports. I'm so happy for him as he enters retirement, but I will miss him more than he can know."

Ben Ma '12: "Mr. Gates is a fun, caring, and fatherly person who works hard, always has a cheerful personality and continuously makes us laugh. Over my years at Brimmer, I have been helping Mr. Gates with the scorebook for the basketball games and even now I am still doing that after I have graduated. It is a pleasure working with him and I will surely miss all the fun moments that we had over the years."

Thomas Byrne '02: "Mr. Gates is truly one of a kind—with the emphasis on kind. The man was, without fail, nice to everyone even when they probably didn’t deserve it (and there were times I’m sure my friends and I didn’t deserve it.)” Truly, I cannot think of a person who is genuinely as caring and who always seems to be in a good mood. He seemed to have boundless energy and I was always amazed as a student as his ability to be teaching gym class to kindergartners one minute and then handing out basketballs the next minute to high schoolers trying to get a few quick games of one-on-one in during lunch. Some of the fondest memories in my life to date are of playing sports at Brimmer and I think I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Gates for that, and for all of the work he was doing in the background, scheduling games, coordinating bus rides, and making sure teams were going out the door with the equipment, water coolers, and medkits."

Joe Iuliano, Assistant Head of Academic Affairs: "Jeff Gates’ approach to competitive athletics is not old school—it’s a timeless approach for student-athletes to emulate: play your best, show good sportsmanship, and have fun. For Jeff, a successful coach was one who is a good teacher and role model and can help the players find their greatest success while enjoying their sport or activity. Because of this view, Jeff has facilitated many happy, memorable, and successful moments for Brimmer students who have participated in every kind of activity from skiing to baseball during the past 29 years. As a colleague, a coach, and a friend, I appreciate everything Jeff Gates has done for Brimmer and May in his time here, especially his student-centered philosophy and thoughtful perspective on coaching and teaching. He has loved his job and the students and has built a notable athletic program at Brimmer and May. Throughout his years at the School, Jeff has celebrated the successes of all involved in sports and activities, from Lower School PE students to new and veteran athletes in the Middle and Upper Schools. He shares his joy with coaches, colleagues, parents, and alums and the school has found much success as a result of his leadership and school spirit."

Eric Smith '98: "Oh, man. What can I say, my friends and I were gym rats. We would hide basketballs at all different places in the gym to play in our free time, but Mr. Gates would always find them and then tell us to get back to class. We would bug him to get baseball bats, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls any sports stuff so we could play. That man is so good with kids and I had the pleasure to be there as a student, and to watch him with my son this year, amazing is all I can say. He truly was so good with everyone and I’m sad to see him retire. I Will definitely miss him next year."

Judith Guild, Head of School (1986–Present): "After 29 years of dedicated service and loyalty to our athletic program and overall school community, Jeff Gates has decided to make the 2021-2022 school year his final year at Brimmer. A colleague of mine for nearly three decades, I have journeyed with Mr. Gates as he successfully led the School through the development and growth of physical education through varsity athletics programs, have been amazed by his year in year out commitment to Brimmer students, and have witnessed his persistent and unconditional support for the School and its needs. We have also experienced the joys of being part of the educational life of his and Mary’s four exceptional children who are now successful adults. Join me in thanking Jeff for his nearly 30 years of service and for all he has done and continues to do for our community."

Peter Gordon, former Middle School Head and Coach (2008–15): "Jeff Gates is the consummate school person. He cares so deeply about Brimmer. It wasn't so much the success of his athletic program, but more of the success of the athletes that played. I served as both a three-season athletic coach and also as a fellow administrator. Jeff did all he could to support all of the coaches as well as provide an athletic environment that was a model for other schools. We succeeded a great deal athletically in my tenure at Brimmer. We won championships in soccer, basketball, and baseball, as well as made it to NEPSAC a number of times. Jeff was there every step of the way to cheer the teams on but also to cheer for his coaches. He will truly be missed!"

Cindy Reardon, Former Coach, and Athletic Trainer: "I had the pleasure of working in the Athletic Department and sharing an office with Jeff for ten years. He is one of the hardest-working people I know. Jeff is incredibly kind, patient, and full of positive energy. He maintains a high level of integrity and models the core values of Brimmer and May on a daily basis. Jeff cares deeply for the students he teaches and the student-athletes. He has an amazing ability to help athletes when they are struggling or have made a mistake. Jeff is kind in his approach when he helps the children to work through their challenges. Jeff will be missed by so many but his legacy will never be forgotten. Brimmer is a better place because of Jeff."

David Cutler '02: "Mr. Gates has been an important part of my life since the 4th grade. Even that early, I have clear memories of Mr. Gates encouraging me to try my best and give it my all. Whether that meant running a faster lap or being more mindful of passing to a teammate, with seemingly limitless energy, he was always there to help me be and do better. I want Mr. Gates to know that his encouragement transferred well beyond gym or sports. Everything I do now, no matter what it is, I always try to give it my best. In large part, I have Jeff to thank for molding me into the man and teacher I am today, and it has been an honor (and a blast) to serve as his colleague for the past nine years. Jeff, I wish you the best in your retirement. You deserve to live it up to the fullest. Thank you for all that you have done for your students and colleagues. It means the world."

Stephanie (Brown '97) Iannone: "Mr. Gates will always be known as a coach! He is a go-with-the-flow, easy-going kind of guy and definitely a family man with quite a few impressive, grown-up female athletes of his very own! In the Britannica Dictionary, the “coach” definition and meaning is “…a person who teaches and trains the members of a sports team and makes decisions about how the team plays during games.” And Mr. Gates was always there to facilitate or make the learning of a sport an easy, exciting, and fun action. His teachings were all about the do or kinesthetic movement, making the learning process easy and enjoyable for all, tiny or tall I’ll never forget the 90s with Mr. Gates coaching for JV and Varsity Girls Basketball teams. He let us play our favorite warm-up music so we could happily dribble to the beat. Mr. Gates encouraged us to run, jump, defend, shoot, again and again—and those forever long suicide drills during practices. Wow! Mr. Gates taught us Gator girls to be strong from the get-go and to never give up! I always loved that strong sense of perseverance! About nine years after my 1997 high school graduation, Jeff and I united again by becoming colleagues at Brimmer and May, taking turns teaching Kindergartners. And somehow, Jeff’s energy didn’t run out after all those years. He seemed to keep up and miraculously ware out my little athletes just in time for “quiet book time” or group read-alouds. I was always very thankful that my students were returned to me without so many giggles and wiggles because they always got the playful sillies out with Mr. Gates. Mr. Gates is a wonderful example of a true educator who acts as a facilitator of learning. I'm here to say thank you for your time coaching so many amazing Brimmer and May athletes for decades!"

Jeff Gates coaching Middle School soccer in early 2000s. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.

Jeff Gates coaches Varsity Tennis in the early 2000s. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.

Photo courtesy of the Brimmer and May School.