Hargrave is proud to announce the appointment of Amanda Weishaar as our new Athletic Director. Amanda brings an impressive and varied background to this position, combining her military service, passion for sports, and years of experience in Aquatics administration. Her distinguished career has prepared her to lead Hargrave’s athletic programs to new heights.
Originally from West Germany, Amanda enlisted in the British Royal Navy at the age of 16. She served with distinction for seven years, holding positions on HMS Invincible, HMS Intrepid, and HMS Endurance as a Marine Engineering Mechanic. Notably, she was awarded the Captain’s Commendation for preventing a Machinery Space Fire on HMS Endurance and received the NATO Peacekeeping Medal.
While in the Royal Navy Amanda played multiple sports at the ship level including flag rugby, field hockey, volleyball, and soccer at the Command level. She also played soccer for the Women’s Royal Navy Team and the Women’s Combined Services, competing against other European military female soccer teams. While playing soccer for HMS Endurance she scored the winning goal (4-3) as the only female on both sides against the British Army stationed in the Falkland Islands!
After leaving the Royal Navy as a Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic, Amanda trained as a Yachtmaster and Bareboat Coordinator before relocating to the United States. Her love for sport and commitment to community service led her to volunteer as a swim instructor at the YMCA and become a qualified lifeguard. She has also completed three Half Ironman distance events.
Academically, Amanda received an Associate Degree from Cloud County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Fort Hays State University. She is a firm believer in lifelong learning, and, despite her already accomplished career, she also chose to earn a high school diploma in the U.S. given the different education system standards between the U.S. and the U.K. Amanda is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Sports Leadership from Randolph College.
Amanda lives in Chatham with her husband Paul, a Hargrave TAC Officer, and their cat Bailey. Since joining the Hargrave community, Amanda has obtained numerous qualifications, such as the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, ARC First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, Pool Operator, USA Swimming Admin Official, and USA Swimming Coach. Her dedication and excellence were recognized when she was awarded the VIC Coach of the Year in 2021, and when she was named the O.B. Teague Coach of the Year in 2021-22.
Hargrave is committed to excellence in athletics as a vital part of the overall educational experience, and we are confident that our student-athletes will continue to thrive both on and off the field under Amanda’s leadership. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Amanda Weishaar as our new Athletic Director.
