The athletics department faced a makeover for the 2025-26 school year. Chris Baird has taken over the role previously held by Daniel Barrett.
Originally from Buckingham, Virginia, Baird relocated to Louisa with a new opportunity and the chance to contribute to the growth of Louisa athletics. Between setting up home games and preparing for senior night, Baird focuses on the details to create a well-rounded atmosphere.
“The thing that I hope to accomplish is to make an impact,” Baird said. “I think at the end of the day, if I’m making this more enjoyable or trying to bring and continue the joy, it’ll make athletics exciting.”
Never leaving the athletic scene, Baird played baseball at Buckingham High School and college, even dabbling in track. Now he has been appointed athletic director at Louisa.
“I mean, I have coached, but this is just a different feeling that I enjoy,” Baird said.
Aside from his past, Baird is here with a team ready to develop the athletics program. Along with Baird, the AD is joined by two others. The new role of assistant athletic director is held by Michael Rohr, and executive assistant Jenifer Stiles.
From the start of the school year, these three coordinated closely.
“They’re such a breath of fresh air,” Stiles said. “I feel like we’re gonna be a great team, I’m glad I could be a part of it.”
Stiles has resided here in Louisa for the past three years, but before taking her current job, she was a secretary at an animal shelter in Orange County. Though both are secretary positions, they differ in paperwork and who Stiles works with.
“It’s rewarding with the students here,” Stiles said. “I think that’s going to be a huge, rewarding experience. It’s sorta the same thing as working at the shelter, seeing the animals get adopted. So it’s very cool both ways.”
Baird and Stiles work in the same office, but just across the cafeteria is Michael Rohr. The new spot was offered to the girls’ soccer coach, Rohr, just last year. He works to help Baird with everything, from planning athletics meetings and tailgates.
“I help add some fresh ideas and some new things to what we are doing,” Rohr said. “We’re beefing up the student section and just keep adding to what we have going on.”
Rohr is from a smaller area up in western New York, where he coached and taught physical education. He came to Louisa to contribute to the new AD staff.
“Nobody else does it the way we do it,” Rohr said. “Team-wise, I think we are really starting to find our groove.”
From helping organize sports equipment, creating programs, and making sure students are behaving at games, Rohr does all that and more.
“For the first time in 20 years, I’ve been excited to come to work,” Rohr said.
