Neighbor News
Lawndale Thomas Named U. City Athletic Director
The School District of University City is pleased to announce Lawndale Thomas as the District's athletic director starting July 1, 2023.
The School District of University City is pleased to announce the appointment of Lawndale Thomas as the District’s athletic director starting July 1, 2023.
Thomas will replace current Athletic Director D. Matthew Brooks, who is retiring after 26 years with the District. We thank Matt for his many years of service to our students and athletes. Thomas is currently the dean of students at University City High School and has more than 20 years of experience coaching and leading students.
Thomas’ greatest memories come from experiencing a positive and competitive athletics culture in his hometown high school in Lima, Ohio where he played on the championship basketball team and the football team. University City High School is a “hidden gem” with tremendous potential and a terrific fanbase of alumni and parent supporters, he said.
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“High school athletics was an integral part of my life. That’s who I am,” he said. “I had the most fun playing high school sports, and I want to bring that winning culture and joy to University City.”
Prior to joining the District in 2021, Thomas served as the guidance department chair/department manager at Hazelwood East High School. He was the head basketball coach for Hazelwood East High School from 2013 to 2021 and was an assistant coach last year on the University City High School Boys Basketball Team. He has a master's degree in counseling from Lindenwood University.
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“We are excited about Lawndale’s vision for our athletic program and his dedication to competitive athletics, scholar-athletes and student joy,” said Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley. “We are also very grateful to Matt Brooks for his years of leading our athletic program.”
Thomas said the District athletic program could grow into something truly special; “Our academics in our high school have been rising and continue to rise. We’re doing some special things, and our vision is to align our athletic programs with our academic success.”
For more information, please visit www.ucityschools.org or email communications@ucityschools.org.