Brately slated to become Dover’s next athletic director

Adam Brately is slated to serve as the Crimson Tornadoes’ next athletic director, pending approval by the Dover Board of Education.

The board will be asked to approve Brately’s hiring at its Feb. 9 meeting.

Brately joins Dover after serving as athletic director at West Holmes Schools for the past nine years and at Liberty Union High School for three years prior.

“Adam brings a blend of media expertise and leadership experience,” Superintendent Karie McCrate said. “He has demonstrated an ability to grow an athletic program through strategic communication, creative fundraising and community engagement. Mr. Brately balances the demands of school-based athletics with a commitment to student well-being, reflecting the values and vision of Dover Schools.”

During his time at West Holmes, Brately helped expand athletic opportunities by implementing new programs in boys’ and girls’ bowling, girls’ golf and middle school soccer. He also served in leadership roles within the Ohio Cardinal Conference and was the 2024 recipient of the EOIAAA Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Brately to our team,” Dover High School Principal Brooke Grafe said. “His emphasis on building relationships with students is clear. By maintaining strong communication with parents, staff and our community, Adam will ensure our athletic department remains a source of pride for the Crimson Tornado community.”

Brately holds a master’s degree in sport and recreation management from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and English from Walsh University, where he was an NAIA Academic All-American soccer student-athlete.

“This position offers an incredible opportunity for me and my family, and I am honored and grateful for the chance to serve as the athletic director at Dover City Schools,” Brately said. “Dover has a storied tradition of success in both athletics and academics that I am excited to be a part of. I look forward to working closely with our student-athletes, coaches, administration and the Dover community to support programs that emphasize growth, character and school pride.”

Brately, his wife, Jayna, and their two children plan to become part of the Dover community. He is expected to begin his duties following his transition from West Holmes at the end of the school year.