Athletic Director

The Brearley School

Danielle LaRoche stands as one of the most dynamic, visionary, and selfless leaders in modern athletic administration—a professional whose work ethic, compassion, and innovative spirit set a standard that, as colleagues attest, is unmatched in the field. Across nearly two decades in and around athletics, few have demonstrated her level of creativity and determination, exemplified by her bold solution to New York City’s chronic facility shortages: the construction of a Field Turf on the third story of a campus building, giving her student-athletes an outdoor space of their own in a city where such opportunities are nearly nonexistent. Equally transformative was her design of a fully functional, custom weight room tailored to the developmental needs of female student-athletes, ensuring they could build strength, confidence, and lifelong skills from an early age. Her community-first approach is woven through every aspect of her leadership—offering at least one no-cut sport each year to create inclusive pathways to participation, providing sports hijabs and alternative uniform options to eliminate barriers for modest dressers, and even launching a Mascot Club to welcome students who want to support athletics in non-competitive roles.

Danielle’s leadership shines brightest in moments of celebration and unity, such as when she turned a casual suggestion into a full-scale ticker-tape parade (with only 72 hours' notice) to honor her undefeated state-champion girls soccer team—an act that reflected not only her organizational brilliance but her deep belief in elevating student achievement. Grounded in her own rich athletic story—from playing at the University of Maryland to coaching at Cornell to cherishing her 1980s state championship at Weston High School—Danielle’s career has been shaped by her desire to give young athletes the same formative experiences that meant so much to her, all while balancing her commitment to family as a devoted mother. Reluctant to spotlight herself yet tireless in uplifting others, Danielle embodies the very essence of servant leadership, and her legacy continues to enrich every community fortunate enough to call her their Athletic Director.