Written By: George Brown

“To me, high school sports are the most exciting thing in the world.” Rye Country Day School’s new athletic director, Tom Curran, is exactly where he wants to be, and it shows. From the day he arrived on the RCDS campus, Curran has been a constant presence on the fields, by the courts, and in the hallways. 

As a student and employee at Fairfield Prep, Curran got to see the school he grew up in through multiple lenses. In high school, Curran was a tri-sport athlete. He played soccer, basketball, and tennis before continuing his tennis career at Quinnipiac University. After college, Curran spent fourteen years as Fairfield Prep’s athletic director before deciding it was time for a new challenge. When asked what appealed to him about RCDS, Curran emphasized the shift from an all-boys school to a co-ed school, as well as the chance to oversee athletics from Pre-K through twelfth grade. At RCDS, Curran is excited to build athletic programs from the ground up, developing athletes across all levels and teams.

Two months into the fall season, Curran is thrilled with what he has seen. He knew he was joining a program with many strengths, and his experience so far has exceeded his expectations. Curran has also enjoyed overseeing volleyball and field hockey, two sports that were not offered at his previous school. “Everything’s new and exciting, and the people, from the students to the coaches to the families, have all been really great to me… living it for the last two months has been great.” 

When asked what advice he would give to high school athletes, Curran emphasized “cherishing every moment you have with your teammates and coaches.” Like many high school athletes, Curran admitted to losing excitement about going to practice some days or travelling for away games, but he encourages all current athletes to take a step back and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of a team. “You should really enjoy the time with your classmates, your time with your coaches, your time to be cheered on, wearing a uniform, traveling, and all the things that make it special.”

 Looking ahead, Curran is eager to experience his first Wildcat Weekend and to see the fall teams compete in the playoffs. When asked which team was most likely to make a deep run, Curran couldn’t pick a favorite. “Well, you’re asking the wrong person because I think all the teams can make a playoff run.” Curran is a sports fan at heart. “I love competition—it’s win or go home. I’m fired up.”

To conclude the interview, Mr. Curran answered some lightning round questions to help the community get to know him better:

1. Yankees or Mets? Mets

2. Most exciting sporting event you’ve ever been to? Auburn vs LSU 2008 (football)

3. Alcaraz or Sinner? Nadal

4. Favorite RCDS cafeteria lunch? Pork burrito bowl and the plantains

5. The best sports movie? Friday Night Lights

6. The most exciting game of the fall season so far? Volleyball’s win over Fieldston