Athletic Director

Intrinsic Schools Downtown Campus

As the founding athletic director at Intrinsic Schools’ Downtown Campus, Orlandus Thomas has built an athletics program from the ground up with a clear commitment to access, equity, and opportunity for every student. He helped make history in Illinois as a member of the IHSA Advisory Council for Girls’ Flag Football, serving on the founding council that established the sport statewide—a legacy he considers his most meaningful contribution.

At school, he creates inclusive, culture-centered experiences, such as partnering with the LatinX club to weave Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations into soccer events and promoting programs like Esports and Mathletes so there is “a sport for every child.” Beyond campus, he serves as Illinois’ Equity and Community Engagement Coordinator for the IADA and was named the 2023–24 IADA Athletic Director of the Year for 1A/2A schools, reflecting his impact across the state