Hancock Day School recently announced the hire of Athletic Director Bart Bellairs. Coach Bellairs has over 40 years of experience and a successful track record in athletics, program development and strategic planning.

In regards to the hire, Hancock Day School Head of School Jim Hoye noted, “After conducting a thorough search, what impressed me about Bart, in addition to his extensive professionalism and experience in school athletics, is his character—a values-based approach to leadership that embodies our enduring values. I am very confident that Bart will help Hancock extend a commitment to excellence in our athletic program—a growing tradition that instills pride and passion among our students, our families, and our faculty.”

Bellairs brings with him a rich and decorated sports career including roles as an athlete, coach, program director, and commentator. As a Hall of Fame college baseball and basketball player, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Warren Winston College in North Carolina and his Master’s degree in Physical Education and Athletics Administration from Western Illinois University. Named Sports Illustrated’s “Unknown Coach of the Year” in 1996, Coach Bellairs has over 25 years of experience coaching college basketball including thirteen years of service as the head coach for Virginia Military Institute and many years as an assistant coach at James Madison University, the University of Maryland, and University of Massachusetts. Five of Coach Bellairs’ former players have gone on to play professional basketball in the NBA. Bellairs also has 10 years of experience serving as an Athletic Director at Virginia Military Institute, Savannah State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University. Bellairs has extensive media experience that includes five years as an ESPN commentator and the creation of several local sports shows. In addition to his years in college athletics, Coach Bellairs has almost a decade of experience in elementary, middle, and high schools as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator. Hancock is thrilled to have him joining the Eagles’ Nest and looks forward to witnessing the growth of our athletic program and his assistance towards fostering the success of the whole student.

Bart and his wife Rhonda, both Kentucky natives, are excited to have relocated to the city of Savannah, which they love. They have seven children and seven grandchildren. In his spare time, Bellairs enjoys community involvement, golf, and fishing.

“I am extremely excited about this opportunity to return to Savannah,” said Bellairs “Hancock is known for excellence in all areas - academics, athletics, and character. In this stage of my career I was looking to join a great team and I have found that here at HDS. The Hancock community has made me feel so welcome in my first week and I look forward to all that is to come.”