NILES, Illinois — Northridge is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its Athletic Department for the 2025–2026 school year. After over two decades of outstanding service as Athletic Director, Coach Will Rey will step back from the role while continuing to lead the varsity basketball program and mentoring students across the school.
"Since taking on the AD role in 2004 - twenty-one years ago - Coach Rey has focused on building a department culture where winning is the product of character development and an instrument of personal growth," headmaster Niall Fagan said. "And it worked, as both the growth in character of our players and IHSA, conference, and tournament championships can attest." Under Rey's leadership, Northridge Athletics expanded to include Golf, Wrestling, Tennis, and Track & Field, while also strengthening established programs like Baseball, Basketball, Cross-Country, and Soccer. Additionally, he led the program through pivotal transitions, including joining the Independent School League in 2007 and, most recently, the Chicagoland Christian Conference this school year.
While stepping away from his administrative duties, Coach Rey remains deeply committed to Northridge. He will continue to serve as Head Coach of the varsity basketball team and expand his role as a mentor for students, ensuring his enduring impact on the school community.
Taking over as Northridge's new Athletic Director is Rob Rey ('10), a longtime member of the Northridge family. Rob has been a part of the Northridge athletic tradition since his days as a student-athlete, where he earned multiple conference, tournament, and IHSA Regional championships in basketball and still holds school records for three-point shooting. After graduating with the prestigious Dave Burns Scholar-Athlete Award, Rob attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a degree in History.
Rob returned to Northridge in 2014 as a history teacher and basketball coach. He later served as Admissions Director, where he led initiatives that streamlined enrollment processes and expanded student enrollment. In recent years, he has also served as a faculty coach, mentoring new teachers and leading athletic initiatives.
"The Athletic Director's top priorities are serving his coaches and running a smooth operation. Rob has the requisite experience: he's been both an athletic and faculty coach, and ran the operations of the Admission Department and camps," said Northridge headmaster Niall Fagan. "Rob is deeply familiar with and committed to the role of athletics in fulfilling Northridge's mission: that it is a powerful means of character formation, and that athletic excellence is both the result of and means towards strong character development."
"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to lead Northridge's athletic department," Rob Rey said. "As an alumnus, I've experienced firsthand how Northridge forms young men both in the classroom and through athletics. Here, sports aren't just about winning games — they're about striving to become the best version of yourself, building lifelong friendships and learning some of life's most valuable lessons along the way. Will has established and grown a thriving athletics program and I'm excited to build on the school's rich championship tradition by continuing to foster a culture of discipline, teamwork and integrity. LGK!"
Rob Rey will officially assume the Athletic Director role on June 1, 2025, and will continue to serve as the top assistant for the varsity basketball team.
Northridge extends its deepest gratitude to Coach Will Rey for his transformative leadership and looks forward to an exciting new chapter under Rob Rey's guidance.
