Q&A With Graland’s Athletic Director, Monica Johnson
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Fieldhouse, Graland is excited to feature athletic director, coach, and PE teacher Monica Johnson in the winter issue of “Graland Today.” Please continue reading to learn about Coach Johnson’s thoughts on the school’s current athletic program and philosophy, and what’s to come for the Eagles in the future.
Q: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background before coming to Graland
A: “My name is Coach Monica Johnson, and I started at Graland in July 2022. In my previous role, I taught physical education and health at Denver Academy for students in Grades 1-12, where I was also a member of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) team. Over the years, I have coached a variety of sports at the varsity and Middle School levels, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, cross country, and track & field. I also worked at St. Anne’s Episcopal School for several years prior to that.”
Q: What types of athletic experiences have you had throughout your life? How did they shape you into who you are today?
A: “I gravitated towards individual sports when I was young. Track and cross-country were my go-to’s. The most influential adults in my life when I was growing up were my coaches. I am grateful to all of them for instilling in me a good work ethic and a sense of accountability to my teammates. I still prize these values today. I think my love of the outdoors partly comes from all the miles my high school cross-country team ran through our metro-park trail system in Cleveland. Coaching kids feels like paying it forward to me. I love the closeness and connection that comes from building traditions and persevering through adversity together. It’s really a beautiful experience.”
Q: What excited you the most about being named Graland’s athletic director?
A: “I love that athletics is part of the school’s mission statement. The fact that athletic endeavors are prized as learning experiences here at Graland means everything! Also, Graland has an outstanding coaching staff and a great reputation among our partnering schools.”
Q: What do you love the most about Graland’s athletic program?
A: “The kids! Our students are enthusiastic, hard-working, and fun! The highlight of the day for most of them is when they take the field. For that reason, I think compulsory sports are a cornerstone of the athletics program at Graland. Nationally, 70% of students stop playing sports by the age of 13. Our program provides exposure and support to students who might not otherwise elect to participate. We strive to create a positive experience for all students in the hope that they will continue to pursue athletic endeavors in high school and beyond. And I cannot leave out the coaches! We have an outstanding and bullpen of coaches that truly care about children and follow the pedagogical approach to coaching.”
Q: What brings you the most joy as Graland’s athletic director?
A: “I love it when students share their successes with me! When a group of excited players are beaming with pride as they share experiences from their game, I can’t help but feel excited for them.”
Q: What is your philosophy on the role of athletics in K-8 education?
A: “One of the reasons I wanted to be at Graland is the K-8 model. The daily PE scope and sequence are designed to provide scaffolding for eventual participation in the athletic program. Our Middle School athletes are recognized as school leaders and get the attention and support they deserve. They don’t have to play second fiddle to a high school program. I strongly believe that the K-8 model provides students with the confidence and leadership skills to be successful and make good decisions when they get to high school.”
Q: In what ways do you see Graland’s Character & Community Framework and its attributes (responsibility, agency, adaptability, empathy, and curiosity) coinciding with the school’s athletics program?
A: “All of the attributes of Graland’s Character & Community Framework can be cultivated through athletics. Students are responsible for managing their time and fulfilling a commitment. They must advocate for themselves when they need support on or off the field. Sometimes, they advocate for opportunities for themselves or a teammate. Adaptability is key when finding your role on a team. Empathy is a must for coaches and teammates. It is the glue that keeps a team together when things get tough. It takes curiosity to try a new sport and push yourself to greater heights.”
Q: What qualities do you find most important for student-athletes? How about for coaches?
A: “The most important quality in a student-athlete is a growth mindset. Talent will only get you so far. Kids who are willing to push their limits, embrace failure as an opportunity to learn, and receive constructive feedback not only become skilled athletes but also leaders. As for coaches, they are teachers first and foremost. I think a great coach makes every member of their team feel valued and meets them where they are. A great coach appreciates even the smallest successes and helps athletes to build upon them.”
Q: How do you define “success” in athletics?
A: “Success is not measured in points and wins; rather, it is measured in growth and resilience. To me, success is when teams come together, when students form new friendships, and when young people find their untapped potential.
Q: What are your hopes for the Graland athletics program going forward? Where do you see the program in the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years?
A: “My hope is to continue to offer a robust program that services the needs of all Graland students. Both individual and team sports should be supported equally, which I am an advocate for. I would like for Graland to be a desired school, not only for academic excellence, but also for providing foundational athletic experiences that set them up for success in high school and beyond. My hope is to build more traditions around the athletic program that get younger students excited to one day wear an Eagles uniform. Pep rallies, spirit days, and homecoming-style events are just some of the ideas that are in the works or already happening.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
