Hopewell Hires Joseph Lamenza as District’s New Athletic Director; Plus, News on Hopewell’s New Athletic Trainer

After some unexpected twists and turns, the Hopewell School District has its new athletic director.

At a district session on Tuesday evening, the school board voted to hire Joseph Lamenza as Hopewell’s new athletic director. Lamenza was also hired as the high school’s new assistant principal.

The 46-year-old served in these exact roles last year at Ambridge High School. He will be paid $25,000 for Athletic Director, and $80,000 as Assistant Principal.

Lamenza has spent approximately 20 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and an administrator. Mr. Lamenza has an elementary education and secondary English teaching certifications from Slippery Rock University, a master’s degree from Robert Morris University, and is currently enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh’s educational leadership doctoral program.

Lamenza replaces long-time athletic director Don Short, who served in that role since 2002 and as the district’s athletic trainer since 1989.

An official start date has yet to be determined, but Mr. Lamenza will immediately begin working with Hopewell High School principal Dr. Rob Kartychak and Mr. Don Short to transition into Hopewell.

Don Short will continue in a consultation role for both Mr. Lamenza and new athletic trainer Lauren Linn. Ms. Linn will begin working with athletes next week. Lauren has approximately 14 years of athletic training experience combined at California University (PA), Wheeling Jesut University, and most recently Robert Morris University. Ms. Linn completed a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Charleston and a graduate degree from California University (PA).

The 2024-25 school year officially starts on August 22nd.