Nick Kocsis Joins Greenhills as Director of Athletics

After a nationwide search that drew nearly 100 accomplished candidates, Greenhills School is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Kocsis as its next director of athletics. Kocsis is an accomplished leader known for building exceptional programs while strengthening the fabric of school communities, and he brings more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and athletic director.

Kocsis joins Greenhills from Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, where he has led the ongoing revitalization of a large, complex athletic program. Prior to that, he spent more than a decade as director of athletics at University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, where he helped shape one of the most successful eras in its 145-year history—one defined not only by championships, but by a deep alignment between academics, athletics, and student life.

“Nick understands something fundamental about schools like ours, in that athletics is not separate from the mission, but an essential expression of it,” said Greenhills Head of School Peter B. Fayroian. “He has a rare ability to build programs that are competitive and ambitious while remaining deeply grounded in what’s best for students. Just as importantly, he knows how to bring people together around a shared vision. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Greenhills at such an exciting moment in our school’s growth.”

Before stepping into athletic leadership, Kocsis spent the first decade of his career in the classroom as a social studies teacher, including teaching advanced placement history courses and designing curriculum. That experience continues to shape his work today. Having spent years guiding students through rigorous academic inquiry, he brings a deep respect for the intellectual life of a school and a clear understanding of how athletics can complement the broader purpose of educating the whole child.

Throughout his career, Kocsis has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, mission-driven leader who sees athletics as a powerful force for connection. His work has consistently focused on elevating the student-athlete experience while strengthening relationships among students, coaches, families, and faculty. He has led strategic planning efforts, developed innovative approaches to coach recruitment and program design, and partnered with school and community leaders to expand opportunities for students.

His contributions have been widely recognized, including induction into the Detroit Catholic League Hall of Fame (2024), Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Regional Athletic Director of the Year (2018), and Detroit Catholic League Athletic Director of the Year (2017), among other honors.

Kocsis steps into a Greenhills athletic program with a strong tradition and a dedicated community of coaches and student-athletes. His arrival marks both a continuation of that work and an opportunity to build thoughtfully toward the future.

“Greenhills is a place where the whole student is truly known and supported, and that deeply resonates with me,” said Kocsis. “Athletics, at their best, are about far more than competition; they’re about growth, connection, and belonging. I’m excited to partner with this community to build on an already strong foundation and continue creating an experience that challenges and supports every student.”

Kocsis will officially begin his role at Greenhills in July 2026, and he will be on campus in the weeks beforehand as he begins the work of getting to know students, coaches, families, and colleagues.