David Boisvert, known as Mr. B by his students, is Bromfield’s new athletic director. As a longtime educator, gym teacher, and coach, Boisvert brings both experience and a positive philosophy to his new position. Boisvert replaces Pam Alexander, who retired after 13 years of growing the athletics department and drawing more kids into sports.
Dave Boisvert. (Courtesy photo)
An educator for the past 23 years and a gym teacher at Bromfield for the last 13, Boisvert likes to work with kids and see them active, he said in a recent interview, adding, “It’s important for some kids to blow off steam and not to have to worry about the stress that comes with school. Exercise is a great way to relieve the stress.” Because of this, he noted that his favorite part of being a gym teacher was seeing kids be out of their comfort zone and then succeed.
Not only a gym teacher, Boisvert also coached winter indoor track and spring outdoor track. Boisvert has run since he was young and continued to do so in high school and college, making the transition to coaching an easy one. “I like the individual aspect,” he said. “There is no one to blame if you have a bad day. If you have a bad day, it’s all your fault. You can’t blame the goalie or anyone else. It’s all on you.”
Now, as athletic director, he still has a few gym classes but no longer coaches. Boisvert laughed as he explained that he wouldn’t know if he missed coaching until the first day after Thanksgiving, when winter sports begin. “I won’t miss the bus rides or waiting for parents to pick their kids up at 10 at night,” he said. “But I will miss being out on the track with kids every day. I’m sure I’ll still get to all their meets to get my track and field fix.”
Boisvert described his new job as busy, with many new responsibilities such as scheduling games and managing the buses, along with making sure the coaches have all the tools needed to help the kids. One of his first priorities now is getting some lights for the field at Harvard Park to allow teams to have night games. The boys and girls soccer teams will play their first games under rented lights next Friday and Saturday.
Boisvert believes in the importance of athletics to high school. “It’s a big part of education,” he said. “You are dealing with teamwork and sportsmanship. Winning is nice, but it’s not the main goal. Being on the buses to and from the games, where you build your friends and strong bonds, may be the most important part of high school athletics.”
Kate Selig is a Bromfield junior.
