At the June 26 Board of Education meeting, Independence Local Schools hired Danny Zillich as the district’s new Athletic Director, grades 7-12.
Zillich brings a strong background in both athletics and education. He most recently served as the athletic director for Oberlin City Schools. Prior to that role, he spent over nine years with Olmsted Falls City Schools, where he was a head soccer coach, assistant track coach, and a member of the district’s Athletic Advisory Council. In addition to his coaching roles, Zillich was a high school math teacher, known for his leadership both in the classroom and on the field.
He holds a master’s degree in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in adolescence to young adults/high school mathematics, and an educational leadership administrative licensure.
“I’m honored and excited to join the Independence Local Schools community,” said Zillich. “This district has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence, and I look forward to building on that foundation while supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and families.”
Superintendent Kelli Cogan shared her enthusiasm for the district’s newest leader: “Danny brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to leadership that stood out during the interview process. His experience, professionalism, and passion for both athletics and academics will be a tremendous asset to our schools and community.”
The selection of Zillich followed a comprehensive search process that included valuable input from families and student-athletes. “We want to thank all of the parents and students who participated in our athletic survey,” added Cogan. “Their feedback helped shape the priorities we focused on during the search and ensured we found the right fit for our district.”
Zillich will begin his role this summer as Independence prepares for an exciting 2025–26 school year in athletics.