The UPrep’s Athletics Department is changing. Incoming Assistant Director of Athletics Niki Harris will join Rebecca Moe and Jonathan Kim, forming a three-person structure to support the school’s 58-plus teams, 90-plus coaches, and the 75 percent of students who participate in the 6-12 program.
For Moe, who holds the position of the athletic director, this expansion addresses years of growth.
“We have been at 2 FTE [full-time equivalent] since I became AD in 2006,” Moe said. “The school has grown, we have added teams, we have 90+ coaches, and the ever-changing needs of being an athletic director are constant. This will help best serve our community.”
The added capacity will allow the department to pursue strategic priorities.
“With more leadership, we can work on strategic things—enhancing the Puma League experience, continue to work to secure off-campus facilities, and aligning 6-12 programs,” Moe said. “It is giving us more time and space to do the work.”
She also sees the expansion as a chance to invest in not only Harris but also Associate Athletic Director Jonathan Kim, who has served in the department for five years.
“I want to give Niki and Jonathan leadership opportunities and work with them to develop their skills,” Moe said. “We will be more available to coaches and students and I am looking forward to seeing how we can maximize using all three of us.”
Harris, currently a Middle School P.E. teacher and head coach for the girls’ varsity soccer team, says she was ready for the transition after a decade in the classroom.
“I have been teaching for 10 years now, so I was ready for a change of pace,” Harris said.
Beyond the change of pace, she’s motivated by a desire to support coaches the way she has felt supported herself.
“I have also felt so supported by our administration across the board, which has made coaching immensely more enjoyable, so am looking forward to being part of that support system for other coaches,” Harris said.
Harris plans to build on what Moe and Kim have established while bringing new ideas around expanding the Puma League and clarifying the distinction between competitive and participation-based athletics.
“The club youth sports landscape has changed significantly over time, and not always for the better, so I hope to work towards developing a program that serves multiple purposes within our school,” Harris said.
She also emphasized the value of adaptability in her new role.
“Coaching requires you to be adaptable and a team player, and I think those are both qualities that shape my leadership style,” Harris said. “Having the courage to try new things, learn from that, and adapt and change as necessary will be an asset. I will listen to the various stakeholders involved, but understand that at the end of the day you can’t please everyone.”
For Harris, the goal of athletics goes beyond enjoyment.
“I think a better word for what I hope people take away from their sports experience is that it’s rewarding,” Harris said. “From the team selection process, practices, and at times long travel to games, it’s not always about being fun in the moment, but rewarding in that over time you build confidence, overcome challenges or disappointments, and get better as a person and athlete in the process.”
The expanded leadership team begins their new roles in the 2026-2027 school year.
