Pirates name new AD

Braden River High announced boys basketball coach Matt Nesser as its new Athletic Director today.

Nesser replaces Bob Bowling, who retired Aug. 21 after 41 years in high school athletics. Bowling had been the Athletic Director at Braden River since the school opened in 2005. Nesser, who also is a guidance counselor at Braden River, has been at the school since its inception.

Prior to coming to Braden River, Nesser served an internship as a guidance counselor at Lakewood Ranch from 2003 to 2005. He has a Master’s of Education degree from the University of West Florida and a Master’s of Arts in guidance counseling from Argosy University.

Braden River held interviews for the position, which was open to candidates nationwide, Sept. 12.

“We chose to hire Matt Nesser because of his years of experience with coaching, his familiarity with the Pirate Family and his proven ability to work with student athletes, parents and coaches,” Braden River principal Jennifer Gilray says. “It is not easy to replace Coach Bowling, but Matt worked closely and successfully with him and considers him a mentor.”

Nesser will step down as the boys basketball coach to take the position.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].