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Athletics Department Changes

PK community:

P.K. Yonge is a school on the rise. This climb in stature will soon be reflected in every key facet of our operation, including athletics, an integral part of the student experience at P.K. Yonge for generations.

After 6 years as athletic director (AD) following 10 years as assistant AD, Kelly Barrett made the decision in the fall to end her service as P.K. Yonge athletic director at conclusion of the 2022-2023 academic school year. P.K. Yonge administration supported her decision. A transition plan has been developed and is being implemented. Coach Barrett said, “The legacy that was created before me and the efforts of coaches, parents, and players is what has kept our program successful. I’m just grateful that I was able to learn from Coach John Clifford my first 10 years and continue as its steward for the last six. The relationships that I’ve made along the way will last a lifetime.”

With the opportunity presented by Coach Barrett’s departure as athletic director, P.K. Yonge is now well positioned to restructure our athletic department by recruiting for the role of athletic director and head football coach. As a result, P.K. Yonge will also have a new head football coach in the fall as Coach Kevin Doelling will no longer serve in the role.

Over the course of his time at P.K. Yonge, Coach Kevin Doelling committed himself to the success of all Blue Wave athletes on and off the field. During his time as head football coach, the Blue Wave achieved back-to-back playoff wins with a trip to the quarterfinals in 2022 and an overall record of 12-12 while playing a top tier schedule featuring five top 5 teams. Coach Doelling is expected to continue in his role as a physical education instructor at P.K. Yonge and continue to have a positive impact on the school’s student-athletes.

“Coach Doelling has been an important part of our athletics program. We appreciate the time he committed to developing our student-athletes,” said P.K. Yonge director Dr. Brian K. Marchman. “As we move forward, we’re excited that these changes in our athletic department will garner us the ability to attract high profile candidates with a record of success that can help us realize this renewed vision and commitment to academic and athletic excellence.”

Looking towards the future, P.K. Yonge will be building and expanding the athletics program and searching for an athletic director and head football coach. The incoming AD will focus on athletic donor relations, community partnerships, onboarding new athletics facilities, providing direction for the overall athletics program, and serve as the leader of the Blue Wave football program. The AD will have administrative and athletic support staff, competitive salary and benefits, and opportunity for unique athletic program and facility expansions and enhancements. The athletics director position will be posted in the coming days at jobs.ufl.edu.

The search committee for this role will be:

• Dr. Brian K. Marchman, P.K. Yonge director
• Dr. Carrie Geiger, P.K. Yonge principal
• Coach Marcus McDonald, P.K. Yonge assistant principal of school safety and facilities
• Coach Willie Powers, P.K. Yonge physical education instructor and girls basketball coach
• Coach Kara Dawson, P.K. Yonge swimming and diving coach and College of Education faculty
• Coach Rebecca Schackow, P.K. Yonge girls soccer coach
• Mr. John Calvin “J.C.” Thomas, P.K. Yonge parent
• Mr. Eli Harris, P.K. Yonge student-athlete

Coach McDonald and Dr. Marchman will address the football team Tuesday, February 28 after school in the cafeteria about the changes to the football program. Parents may also contact Coach McDonald or Dr. Marchman about the changes.

Go Blue Wave!