Tabor Academy Announces New Director of Co-Curricular and Athletic Programs

Tabor Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Walker as the new Director of Co-Curricular and Athletic Programs, beginning July 1, 2022. A current Tabor faculty member, Walker serves as Ninth Grade Class Dean and supports admissions efforts for ninth grade boarding. Since she first arrived at our School by the Sea in 1987, Walker has held various roles at Tabor, including teacher, class dean, associate and interim athletic director, varsity field hockey and tennis coach, and residential dean, in addition to other roles in Student Life, Admissions, and Advancement. 

“We are excited to have Kelly move into this role,” says Tony Jaccaci, Head of School at Tabor.  “Kelly understands the value of whole-child education and is deeply devoted to a strong athletic and co-curricular experience as part of that growth. This role is complex, and I know Kelly will work collaboratively, both within our community and with our partner schools in the Independent School League (ISL), to effect continued improvement of the scholar-athlete experience at Tabor. I am also eager to have Kelly partner with our new Associate Head of School, Tyrone Black, in this work and know their partnership will benefit the programs. Tabor has a long history of excellence in athletics and co-curricular programs, and I believe Kelly will keep us committed to this pursuit of success in this area of our school.” 

Founded in 1876, Tabor is a premier coeducational boarding school that serves more than 530 students from across the country and around the world. As the School by the Sea, Tabor offers an uncommonly beautiful setting in which to learn for students in grades 9-12. The school provides a wide breadth of academic offerings for students to explore their interests, understand their strengths, and develop their critical thinking and communication skills.  

Walker’s passion for both Tabor and athletics is undeniable. “I consider Tabor home. Two of my three children are Tabor graduates, and they were involved in afternoon activities at school, captains of sports,” she shares. “I’ve been described by friends and family as an incredibly loyal person, and I’m always looking for ways to help make Tabor better,” she says, noting that she looks forward to combining her historical perspective on the school with forward-thinking initiatives to inspire meaningful change. “I’m excited to partner with my colleagues and combine our collective passions; together, I think we can create a synergy of strengths to benefit the program and take Tabor in new and exciting directions.” She notes, this is an area in which Tabor has a huge opportunity to capitalize on now and meet the changing needs of students today. 

During her 22-year tenure in the athletic office at Tabor, Walker worked on leadership with team captains, supported the coaches, and led her own varsity teams. Specifically, she had led Tabor’s varsity field hockey and girls’ tennis, in addition to supporting other athletic programs. “I’ve taught and coached some incredible student athletes,” she says. Looking beyond just athletics, Walker is eager to dive into the co-curricular aspect of her new role. “Be it on the field, stage, in the art room, or on the Tabor Boy, I believe these activities are an extension of the classroom; students are always learning. There are multiple ways for students to learn and grow.” 

In addition to her experience at Tabor, Walker has served on the NEPSAC Field Hockey Coaches’ Association board and was regularly involved with the NEPSAC Athletic Directors Annual and District Meetings during her time in the Tabor Athletics Office. A three sport athlete in high school, Walker went on to play tennis at Hamilton College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. During her time at Hamilton, Walker served as captain in her senior year, leading the team to a 9 - 3 record. She also was a NY State doubles finalist in her sophomore and junior year.

The search committee for the appointment of Walker was chaired by Ian Patrick ’84 and included Tamar Cunha, Sarah Gurry, Derek Krein, Tricia Smith, Stacy Turner, and Coke Whitworth. Nicole Wojcik provided planning and coordination of the process. The school is greatly thankful for the hard work and professionalism of this group.