Don Maurer began his tenure as MICDS Athletic Director on July 1, 2007, bringing with him a track record of success and a commitment to the values MICDS always has maintained in athletics.
In this role he has leadership responsibility for the school’s athletic program, which includes 29 varsity programs, 57 upper school teams, 36 middle school teams and 137 coaches. 100 percent of MICDS Upper School students are involved in the athletic program as players, managers, trainers or as participants in Essential Fitness, an after-school strength and conditioning program for non-athletes.
A native of Cape Girardeau, Maurer has proven to be a perfect fit to head up a comprehensive athletics program at St. Louis’ leading independent school. His Missouri roots and family orientation are an integral part of his core philosophy to provide student-athletes with a world-class experience that enables them to succeed academically, socially and athletically. He came to MICDS in 2001 from Saint Louis University High School as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Associate Athletic Director, and he led the Boys Basketball team to the state championship in 2002.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame, and has been recognized for over a quarter century of service by the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. In 2002, he was honored as the Missouri Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and as the Metro Basketball Coach of the Year by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
In June of 2013, Don Maurer and MICDS were honored with the “McCandless Award” presented annually to the school that wins the most points in Metro League competition. MICDS took home both the Girls’ and Boys’ awards.
Additionally in 2013, as a reflection of the respect he has earned from the industry and his peers, Maurer was elected to represent the St. Louis District on the MSHSAA Board of Directors for a second term. He is currently serving as President of the Board – a first for MICDS.
On the field, MICDS has achieved great success across the department and programs. During Maurer’s tenure, the school has won 28 District Championships, has had 44 State Semi-Finals, Final Four or Championship appearances, and been crowned State Champions 11 times for five different programs and won 20 League Championships. Additionally, every single varsity program has maintained an overall winning record since 2007 – each team’s winning percentage is over 500.
The overall athletic program has grown significantly on Maurer’s watch, with the addition of both Squash and Cycling as well as a full slate of Middle School sports offerings, and a flourishing training program that provides strength, agility and injury preventions for athletes.
Maurer has pursued an aggressive and progressive plan to ensure success both on and off the field of play, embarking on a number of major educationally-based athletic initiatives at MICDS. These have included the development and implementation of the school’s athletic covenant C.H.A.M.P.S. and The Guiding Principles of Athletics. Both seek to instill and communicate an understanding of the educationally sound athletic program built upon a philosophical foundation that is consistent with the school’s mission and strategic plan. At MICDS the athletic experience is firmly grounded in the bigger picture of the learning experience.
Through the development of the C.H.A.M.P.S. covenant and the execution of the Guiding Principles of Athletics the goal of the athletics program is brought to life: To mold young, eager and impressionable men and women into the next generation of productive leaders in society. Participation in the MICDS interscholastic athletic program provides unique learning opportunities and is an integral part of the school experience. The life lessons taught are valuable and cannot effectively be replicated in the other contexts of day-to-day life within our school community. Great emphasis is placed on the physical fitness and wellness of students. The goal of striving for a consistent level of competitive excellence is essential.
MICDS serves as the host for multiple MSHSAA district and state level events and tournaments each year providing numerous opportunities to showcase and market the school to a wider audience. The MICDS Holiday Basketball Tournament (16 boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams) has become one of the most popular events in the area with all proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics. The event has a waiting list of area schools eager to participate.
Maurer has been a leader and initiator in the overall master facility plan for MICDS athletic facilities. Under his leadership plans to build, renovate and improve the school’s athletic and recreational facilities have been identified, approved and completed, including:
- The McCreery Field and Thomas Field were converted to artificial turf improving overall playing conditions
- To enhance the fan experience permanent bleacher seating areas were added to Hawes Field #3 and #4, Taylor Field and Thomas Field
- Complete renovations were done to the Ellis Track and Field Complex
- Installation of Bermuda grass on Hawes Field #3 & #5, Taylor Field
- Construction of Baur Baseball Stadium which included turf infield, Bermuda outfield, scoreboard, dugouts, bleachers, bull pen areas and batting cage
- The construction of the Hermann Squash Center which boasts five state-of-the-art courts and with spectator seating was completed in 2011.
- Other enhancements include complete renovation of the locker room areas in the McDonnell Gymnasium and the Beaumont Natatorium to serve girls’ teams, boys’ teams, visitors and Physical Education classes. Each program has a locker room during their season, there is expanded weight room space, dry room area for equipment and expanded film room space.
Since 2007, more than 80 student-athletes have gone on to play collegiate sports at the D1, D11 and DII levels.
In 2012 MICDS received the Interscholastic Program of Excellence award presented by Coach and Athletic Director magazine to honor the nation’s best secondary school athletic departments for their off-the-field achievements.
Maurer has worked to solidify the leadership of each program, recruiting those who are best in class, including former college athletes (many Division I participants) and world-class Olympic athletes. Additionally, 22 out of 26 head coaches are also members of the MICDS faculty – illustrating the department’s commitment to the Teacher/Coach model and ensuring that the School’s mission is known and carried out in both the classroom and on the field.
Maurer served as assistant basketball coach at the University of Illinois under legendary coach Lou Henson from 1985 – 1987. He has more than 35 years of high school and college athletics experience.
Maurer holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Southeast Missouri State University, and a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration from the University of Illinois. He has also completed graduate course work at the United States Sports Academy.