As we enter into a new school year with new responsibility, we adjust to the unfamiliar demands of our schedules. Ryan Holmes, head coach of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team and assistant director of Admission, finds himself in a similar situation as he steps into the role of a dorm head. 

When asked about adjusting to his new position, Mr. Holmes revealed that he felt prepared for the transition. While “boys are not the cleanest, or the quietest,” he remarks, it’s about “rolling with the punches and learning their habits.” 

As a head coach and affiliate of Riley’s Dorm last year, Mr. Holmes already had some experience in overseeing a group of high school students. So, the transition to dorm leadership was smooth.

Being a dorm head brings much to appreciate. For Mr. Holmes, “getting to know new kids” ranks high on his list. His interactions with the student body have been primarily through coaching and his admission role, so to “see the students in a different light, in their dorm life, has been a lot of fun.” 

Beyond this, Mr. Holmes is looking forward to the camaraderie of the dorm—for example, a weather report during check-in that everyone expects—mentioning that “the dorm gets along quite well, and I’d like to see how that grows.”

Of course, Mr. Holmes’ fostering of a connected dorm can cause unforeseen rowdiness that needs assimilation to. Perhaps slightly annoyed, Mr. Holmes comments that “one certain room has dunk contests over my living room,” and that the dorm could be quieter in moments of heated debate or lively conversation. Additionally, being his first time living on the Circle, Mr. Holmes notes that the heart of campus can be quite loud at times.

Ultimately, Mr. Holmes’ decision to take on this leadership role was rooted in his desire to engage more with the community. 

“The kids here are so impressive,” he said, “so any time you can be more involved in what they’re doing it’s always a great time.” 

As Mr. Holmes continues to lead his dorm, he hopes to foster a connected group that will grow together and help each other in the community.