A New Mentorship Model
Johns Hopkins Department of Athletics introduced the Faculty‑Coach initiative for the 2025‑26 academic year, aiming to connect faculty with scholar‑athletes through structured mentorship and support.
The program is designed to strengthen ties between academic affairs and athletics, offering guidance especially to first‑year students who are navigating both rigorous coursework and competitive sports.
Faculty Coaches serve as honorary members of coaching staff for a two‑year term, with the possibility of extension, and are encouraged to attend games, practices, and team events.
Spotlight on David Kraemer
David Kraemer, an associate teaching professor in mechanical engineering, was selected as the Faculty‑Coach for the Blue Jay field hockey team after a group of freshman players nominated him.
Having been at Johns Hopkins for 14 years, Kraemer brings a wealth of experience, including a high‑school soccer background, recreational league play, and a lifelong passion for mountain biking, tennis, and sailing.
Kraemer’s involvement goes beyond the classroom; he regularly interacts with the team at practices and events, describing the experience as positive and rewarding, and he hopes to demonstrate to student‑athletes that faculty care about their growth both academically and personally.
He views the role as an opportunity to gain a different perspective on students and encourages other faculty members to consider the program, emphasizing that it enriches the campus community by fostering mutual respect and understanding.