Paint Branch Athletic Director Heather Podosek has retired from MCPS after 31 years. Podosek has been Athletic director since 2010, following two championships and 13 years as the girl’s head basketball coach. Earlier today, Podosek posted the following letter to the Paint Branch Athletics website saying goodbye to the Paint Branch community:
“Today is a emotional day for me as I retire from MCPS after 31 years, but it is also filled with reflection and gratitude! As I look back at my career (and all the stops along the way) which brought me to my “home” at Paint Branch, I will always be thankful for the guidance, patience and encouragement of the administrators, colleagues, coaches, students, and families that help me in my journey. You have been such a big part of shaping my career which is filled with love, laughter and happiness!
What an amazing ride this has been at Paint Branch High School. Thank you to all our coaches, teachers, administrators, families, community members and our Panthers for your part in helping me grow and lead our athletic department. It is not an easy journey and it is filled with hard work, tears, reflection, education and more, but it was worth it! Thank you to the all who played on my teams. You inspired me daily, made me a better coach, teacher, and athletic director and you continue to bring me joy through you life journeys!
As the Athletic Director, I am proud of our coaching staff (comprised of 32 PB Alumni) and the love we share for Paint Branch and our Panthers – “Once a Panther, Always a Panther”! Thank you to our families, community and alumni for all the love and support you have shown myself and our school. To our Panther student-athletes, I want to thank you for your effort, your enthusiasm, for listening, learning, and becoming standout young men and women! Our Why – ” The PB Way….Integrity, Character, Effort and Excellence” shines through you! I am in awe of you and look forward to seeing our Panthers reach these heights! No one can do the job of an athletic director without the support of our MCPS Athletics family. Thank you for all for you guidance, love and laughter! You will always be my family!
My heart and soul will always be with my Panther family, however, it is time for me to dedicate 100% of my time and attention my family and especially my wife, Dee Thoren (who loves PB as much as I do) who has given so much to allow me to do this career! As we begin our travels around the United States, I hope to connect with many of you.
I won’t say Goodbye… but will say “see you next school year” when I come back for a visit! In the meantime, live your life the “PB Way”!
Love Best Wishes –
Coach P”
Featured photo courtesy of Paint Branch Athletics