ISI Announces Expansion of Athletics Department for the 2026-2027 School Year, Reinforcing Strategic Commitment to Upper School Growth

Indianapolis, IN – April 14, 2026 – The International School of Indiana (ISI) is pleased to announce the expansion of its Athletics Department for the 2026–2027 school year. Zachary Haley has been appointed as Athletic Director, Jamares McCloud joins as Assistant Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, and Devin Selvaag will serve as Assistant Athletics Coordinator. This growth underscores ISI’s commitment to enhancing its athletics program as part of its strategic vision for Upper School growth.

Haley has led the athletic department as Interim Athletic Director since May 2025, building strong relationships across the community and advancing key Athletics initiatives. Jamares McCloud brings over a decade of coaching experience, most recently as the associate head coach of boys basketball at Lawrence Central. He also has extensive experience in AAU basketball and has coached with multiple organizations, including Grand Park, Indy Heat Gym Rats, and Indiana Game. He is known for fostering teamwork and student growth, both on and off the court. Devin Selvaag, who has supported the athletic department in a part-time capacity for several years, will continue doing so as Assistant Athletics Coordinator, ensuring continuity and strong support for Haley, McCloud, and the entire coaching staff.

Now in the second year of its strategic plan, ISI is intentionally strengthening its Upper School experience, with a focus on athletics, recognizing that a dynamic, competitive athletics program is essential to student growth and a defining feature of the high school experience in Indiana. The permanent placement of Haley and the addition of Coach McCloud underscore the school’s commitment to building a comprehensive, student-centered athletics program that supports recruitment, retention, and overall student development.

ISI already boasts a strong academic program in the Upper School, and the emphasis on athletics is part of a holistic Upper School expereince that continues to emphasize academic achievement but also offers a strong athletic experience with a team of employees that can offer more individualized support, enhance pathways for students seeking to compete at collegiate levels, and foster an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and feel engaged in the athletic program.

The creation of a cohesive Gryphon Athletics framework has been a central strategic priority, with a focus on elevating program quality while aligning with broader institutional goals. This announcement builds on a series of strategic investments and initiatives launched over the past year:

• In June 2025, ISI announced major enhancements to athletic transportation and uniforms to strengthen the Gryphon Athletics identity, professionalism, and overall image.
• In July 2025, ISI introduced a new annual athletics sponsorship program to increase philanthropic support and community engagement in athletics.
• In August 2025, the school unveiled its 10-Year Campus Master Plan, a forward-looking roadmap for campus growth, sustainability, and facility improvements, including upgrades to athletics facilities, with construction of the International Plaza, expansion of the Daneri Family Gymnasium, and the addition of a strength and conditioning space at Blackwell.
• In January, after successfully securing $6 million in grant funding and more than $6 million in individual support, ISI launched the ONE Future Campaign, a $14 million campaign that provides philanthropic support for athletic programming and will enable construction of the new athletics facilities over the next two years. Construction begins in the summer of 2026, with anticipated completion allowing students and the broader ISI community to utilize all new and upgraded athletic spaces by fall 2028.

“The momentum for Gryphon Athletics is exciting. Central to the program's success and sustainability is the continued development of strong leadership within the Athletics Department. Zach Haley has done a tremendous job as Interim Athletic Director, and we look forward to his continued leadership,” said Head of School Elizabeth Head. “As he continues to build the athletics department, particularly with Varsity Coaches who have an interest not just in their Varsity teams, but in our Junior Varsity, Middle School and Lower School student athletes, we believe ISI can create a pipeline and pathway for students who want to excel at multiple sports to stay and play through high school, and to pursue collegiate sports opportunities if they choose.”

ISI recognizes that Gryphon Athletics can be an important aspect of school culture—one that develops well-rounded students, strengthens community connections, and supports the school’s vision for sustained growth and excellence.