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The newest Director of Athletics at 91���� is set to make some history as she settles into her role. Jade Morris, hired this summer following the retirement of Mark Conroy, is the first female lead in 91���� athletics history, and joins a distinguished short list of Athletic Directors. Conroy retired after 24 years as AD, and he replaced Rick Francis—himself the school’s athletic director for 32 years. Morris is comfortable—and excited—to be stepping into the large shoes in front of her.

“I’m coming into this strong foundation of an athletic department with a solid culture of teamwork and work ethic and just getting the job done,” Morris said. “My family is important to me and the idea of raising my kids in the 91���� community is really attractive. I don’t see this as just a stop on the path—I can picture myself being here and growing here.”

Raised in the Pioneer Valley just a short drive away in Westhampton, Massachusetts, Morris went to her local high school, Hampshire Regional High School, before enrolling as a dual-sport athlete at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Massachusetts. During her time at Hampshire, Morris noted that her AD was a woman, and it planted a small seed in her head—albeit not one ready to be watered. At MCLA, Scott Nichols, the school’s AD, dumped the watering can on Morris.

“I was all set to be a kindergarten teacher,” Morris laughed. “And my senior year, [Nichols] asked me ‘Have you thought about working in college athletics?’ and I said no, what does that even mean?”

Nichols explained what that kind of work entailed. With the idea starting to sprout, Morris spent time volunteering at Wellesley College, a Division III, all-girls school. Exposed to the administrative side of athletics, Morris was hooked and decided to pursue a career full time. That took her back to school for two years at Springfield College. They were, according to Morris, life-changing.

Morris met her husband, Mike, there, and learned under the guidance of now-Director of Athletics Dr. Craig Poisson. Morris said it was difficult to articulate just how much of an influence Poisson had.

With her master’s degree in hand, Morris scored a job at Boston College, first as an assistant director for stewardship and donor relations, before moving up the ladder to Senior Associate Director for student-athlete development. In August 2022, she made the jump to the prep school ranks, working for Belmont Day School as its Associate Athletic Director. When she saw the Director of Athletic position open at 91����, Morris wasted no time applying.

“I grew up in this area and I have such a deep appreciation for 91���� and the history of the athletic programs,” Morris said. “When I applied, I felt like an out-of-the-box candidate, but the more I researched, the more I realized this is for me. The timing felt right.”

Morris has hit the ground running since she started and her and her family—husband Mike and kids Ryan, Matt, and Tess—are settling in well. In her short time on campus, Morris noted that the warmth and positivity she felt during the interview process has continued.

“People here love this community,” she said. “I’ve had such a warm welcome from [Head of School Robert W. Hill III] and supportive leadership. Everybody is asking what they can do to support me. It’s awesome.”

Morris stated that her initial goals are to get an overall sense of the program and how it’s run, and to connect with 91���� staff and students to start fostering connections.

“What I love so much about [the role] is it’s not rocket science,” Morris said. “It’s all about the people. It’s all about building relationships. I don’t want to come in here and make all of these changes just because—I want to get to know the people, the fabric of the community, and really understand what makes it special.”

She acknowledged the need to continue evolving 91���� athletics in the digital age and supporting student-athletes wherever they need it—be that the classroom, weight room, or dining commons. She also knows that eyes will be on her—for all the right reasons.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be the first female athletic director, and I believe in that mantra of ‘if you can see her, you can be her,’” Morris said. “I think being a role model for young females is important to me.”