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Spartan Spotlight: Ryan Aiello
A native Californian, Ryan Aiello is new to the Athens Academy faculty this year. In addition to teaching English in the Upper School, he is the head coach for varsity track and field and coaches JV and varsity boys basketball. He participated in track and field at Occidental College and went on to earn his master's and Ph.D. at California State University, Chico and the University of Nebraska, respectively. We asked him five questions as part of the Spartan Spotlight:
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What do you consider to be unique about Athens Academy?
Athens Academy offers an unparalleled experience for student-athletes--the opportunity to work with some of the most intelligent, caring, knowledgeable, and passionate teachers and coaches that I've ever known.
In what sports or activities do you still participate?
Basketball. In graduate school, some friends and I started our own basketball team, the Andrews Hall Flagrant Fowl, comprised of PhD students and the spouses of PhD Students. Our mascot was a Prairie Chicken, a prominent bird in Nebraska.
As a child, which professional sports team did you consider to be your favorite?
As a California native, I was a fan of the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Sacramento Kings. My dad had season tickets to the Kings, so some of my fondest memories growing up involve going to games with him and seeing elite players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson play in person.
What is your favorite book?
The Great Gatsby. I actually wore a pink suit to my high school prom in honor of the title character.
What was the first job you ever had?
Coaching, I suppose. I got to watch practice, sit on the bench and be in the team picture with all of my dad's teams growing up. He'd even give me an award at each season's sports banquet. I sure believed I was a member of the staff.
Athens Academy
Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. For over 50 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.
