Franklin Township Community School Corporation (FTCSC) proudly congratulates Franklin Central Junior High (FCJH) Athletic Director Nathan VanDeventer, who has been named the Middle School Athletic Director of the Year for District 3 by the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (IIAAA).
The honor recognizes VanDeventer’s dedication to student-athletes, his commitment to building a vertically aligned 6–12 athletic program, and his leadership among peers throughout Central Indiana. IIAAA District 3 spans 115 Middle Schools/Junior Highs and makes up much of Central Indiana, including Marion County and its surrounding areas, making this recognition even more meaningful.
“Working with Nate has been a phenomenal experience,” said Franklin Central High School (FCHS) Athletic Director Grant Lewis, who nominated VanDeventer for the award alongside Assistant Athletic Director Nick Eversole. “He’s the first person to step up when help is needed and always finds a way to ensure the Junior High is on the same page as the High School. What I admire the most is his work ethic, attention to detail, and connection to student-athletes. In every situation presented to him, Nate works to host high-level events that provide our athletes at FCJH with a phenomenal athletic experience.
Building a Culture of Excellence
VanDeventer, now in his fourth year at FCJH, leads the largest junior high athletic program in the state of Indiana. Yet, his influence extends far beyond managing events and schedules.
“He is a consummate professional who is a team player,” said Eversole. “Even though he is extremely busy, he is always willing to help out with us at the high school—whether it’s serving on interview panels, assisting, or leading district coaches meetings, or helping manage Friday night football games. Nathan holds coaches and athletes accountable, which will help our 6–12 program to have continued success.”
VanDeventer’s leadership philosophy focuses on character, growth, and preparation.
He emphasizes that athletics are an extension of the classroom—a place where lessons about teamwork, respect, and perseverance are as important as wins and losses.
“We’re preparing young men and women to one day become varsity athletes and strong people,” VanDeventer explained. “I tell our students that when you do the right things between 8:20 and 3:20—during the school day—and at home, success will follow on the field or court. Our goal is that every student leaves Franklin Central Junior High better than when they arrived.”
And the students at FCJH appreciate Nate and continue to seek Nate out after they leave FCJH. FCHS Assistant Athletic Director Nick Eversole adds, “Something I admire about Nathan is his ability to build relationships with students. When we are at an event together, former and current student-athletes of his are always coming up and starting a conversation with him. He has clearly made an impact on his former athletes as they are always excited to see him and find out how he is and tell him about what is new in their lives.”
FCHS Athletic Grant Lewis adds, “Nate has positively impacted the students, coaches, and the FTCSC athletic culture in many ways. His most significant impact lies in the relationships he builds with everyone he encounters. His selflessness, paired with the drive for consistent improvement by doing everything right, is contagious and is a huge part of why we have seen great success within our Junior High Athletic program.”
A Lifelong Passion for Athletics
VanDeventer’s path to athletic administration began early. A three-sport athlete in high school, he initially planned to play college athletics before discovering his love for athletic leadership as a student on his high school’s athletic board. That experience led him to pursue a degree in business management while gaining hands-on experience coaching and working in athletics in Columbus, Indiana.
By age 21, he was already teaching and serving as an assistant athletic director at Columbus North High School—a formative experience that set the stage for his current success.
In 2021, he joined FCJH, where he developed a program that has become a leader throughout the district and state.
“We have the best facilities, coaches, and community in Indiana,” he said. “I’m blessed to work in a district that supports athletics and gives us the resources to provide a great experience for our students.”
Respected by Coaches and Colleagues Alike
Coach Chad Wimmenauer, who leads the 8th-grade boys basketball team, said VanDeventer’s open communication and support set him apart.
“Nate is an effective leader because he keeps an open mind, his heart is huge, and he genuinely cares for our student-athletes. Nate is also an outstanding communicator,” Wimmenauer said. “He is quick to respond to an email or missed phone call, and always makes his thoughts, opinions, and decisions clear for everyone.
Wimmenauer recalled a recent instance when VanDeventer’s calm leadership made a positive impact during a frustrating moment.
After a tough tournament loss, VanDeventer immediately followed up with the coach the next morning, and then, after the meeting, reached out to officials and other school’s athletic director with professionalism and class. “He demonstrated class and exactly what leadership looks like during the entire process,” Wimmenauer added.
Looking Ahead
VanDeventer continues to work closely with Lewis and Eversole to strengthen FTCSC’s athletics pipeline from elementary through high school. The trio meets regularly to coordinate coaching, scheduling, and development opportunities that align programs across all grade levels.
“Successful athletic programs have vertical alignment,” Eversole said. “Nathan works with us at the high school and with his coaches to ensure this is happening. When a coaching opening arises at FCJH, Nathan solicits input from our high school coaches. This helps to ensure our coaches have their best chance to maintain and increase their vertical alignment within a sport. He always keeps the big picture in mind, reminding us that we must all work together to achieve the results we desire.
For VanDeventer, the recognition as District 3 Athletic Director of the Year is both humbling and motivating.
“It means a lot, but it’s really a reflection of everyone here—our coaches, staff, and students,” he said. “FTCSC is special. I’m just grateful to be part of it.”
Congratulations to Nathan VanDeventer, District 3 Middle School Athletic Director of the Year—an honor that celebrates not only his dedication to athletics, but his commitment to shaping students into leaders on and off the field.
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