By Grace Rico
Contributing Writer
At Greenway High School, stepping onto the field or court often means coming home. This year, over 10 of Greenway’s athletic program coaches are alumni, ranging from softball to football and badminton. These are former student-athletes who have returned to guide today’s players. This trend of alumni returning as coaches is more than just a kind sentiment; it reveals the deep sense of community and pride that defines Greenway athletics.
Athletic Director Jeff Feldman believes alumni return to Greenway because of the strong bonds they formed during their student years.
“I think it’s the culture and the great experience they had when they played here. They feel at home and know we teach athletics and how to be better people,” Feldman said.
Today, eight head coaches at Greenway High School are alumni, including 2009 graduate Janna Frandrup, now the softball coach. She describes the school as “family-oriented, with strong traditions, school spirit, and great teachers.” Frandup is now in her 10th year of coaching at Greenway.
“I grew up watching my brothers and uncles play for Greenway. There’s a long history of Greenway alumni. Having former students as coaches strengthens traditions. We know what’s expected and can share our experiences,” Frandup said.
These alumni-turned-coaches don’t just bring sports knowledge, they offer a connection to the school’s legacy, reinforcing the values and culture that make Greenway unique. For today’s students, seeing someone similar to them shows student-athletes that they’re part of something lasting and impactful.
Brooke Furgeson, another alum, is now the head coach of the badminton team. She returned to Greenway for the past five years because she believes “it is one of the best places to be” and notes the positive atmosphere, supportive staff, and dedicated students.
“Greenway draws people back because it feels like home. These coaches know exactly what it feels like to be a Greenway Demon and how to continue that legacy,” Ferguson said.
Recently, three alumni coaches launched a club called the Greenway Athletic Leadership Academy (GALA), with a focus on further strengthening Greenway’s culture and fostering leadership among student-athletes.
Building a lasting culture is crucial for Greenway High School, however, while alumni ties are strong, Feldman reminds us that hiring is not automatic. Coaches are selected based on their “commitment, coaching ability, and passion for student success.”
Nonetheless, alumni status does add an extra layer to Greenway’s programs.
“I think having alumni as coaches has a very positive impact. It says a lot about your program and the great experience they had if they still want to be part of it,” Feldman said.
Many former coaches have also gone on to lead programs elsewhere, carrying with them the values they learned as both students and coaches at Greenway.
“We set them on the right path in coaching and having a positive effect on the lives of young people,” Feldman said.
Greenway’s unexpected tradition of alumni coaches is unlikely to end anytime soon. Many current students are already interested in returning to coach, though the school has a policy in place that graduates must wait at least a year before they can return to coach.
“It gives them a chance to get out on their own and then make the decision to come back,” Feldman said.
With each generation, Greenway High School's athletic staff grows richer in school and community pride.
“We have great longevity in our coaching staff, as well as myself, so we remember our athletes. They are proud to let us know that they went to school here and want to once again be part of our athletic program. Our students don’t just learn how to play; they learn how to lead. That’s a legacy we’re proud of and one that will keep Greenway’s values strong for years to come,” Feldman said.
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