Holzer approved as Upper St. Clair athletic director
Danny Holzer has been named Upper St. Clair School District’s athletic director, effective Feb. 1.
The school board approved the longtime social studies teacher and boys varsity basketball coach’s five-year appointment Jan. 31.
“It is incredibly humbling to have this opportunity to give our student athletes and coaches all the support and positive guidance they need to be successful on and off the playing fields,” Holzer said.
Holzer has been working with coaches, staff and student-athletes throughout the last few months since he began serving as the district’s interim athletic director Oct. 25.
“Without question, I have enjoyed working with and getting to know all of our coaches, administrators and, certainly, our athletics’ department staff – Kim Valeriano and Greg Wagner,” Holzer said. “However, what I have enjoyed the most is watching all of our student athletes compete. Serving as interim athletic director has allowed me to see and be a part of all our sports programs.”
Holzer will continue to serve as boys varsity basketball coach. Now in his 27th season as head coach, Holzer has led his teams to three WPIAL championship titles, one WPIAL runner-up finish and eight section titles. His teams have advanced to the playoffs 22 out of the past 26 years. This season, Holzer exceeded 450 career wins and the Panthers are currently in the race for a section title.
Prior to taking the helm at Upper St. Clair, Holzer served as an assistant coach at Duquesne University, California University of Pennsylvania and his alma mater, Thomas Jefferson High School.
In high school, he was a three-year starter at TJ. He continued his athletic career at Alliance College before earning a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania.