Milford High School Athletics Hall of Famer Brandon Baker is coming home. Pending approval at next month’s Board of Education meeting, Baker will become the next head coach of the Milford boys basketball program. He returns to Eagles Way after a seven-year stint as a coach at Goshen High School.

Baker got his coaching start as an assistant with the Goshen boys team in 2013. Following two years in that role, he took over the Goshen girls program, spending two years as head coach and posting consecutive 19-win seasons. That set the stage for the last five years as the Warriors boys head coach where he won another 52 games.

“It's a special day that we get to welcome Coach Baker back home,” stated Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “He embodies everything that our community represents. Brandon will transform our program instantly and infuse energy and excitement into our next generation of young basketball players. A renaissance of Milford basketball is coming and we are ecstatic to have Coach Baker at the helm!"

“I am grateful and humbled to come back to a school district, community and basketball program that I deeply care about,” Baker said. “I look forward to leading the next era of Milford basketball and teaching young men the important values of life through basketball. Being the head basketball coach at Milford High School is a dream come true and I am thankful for the opportunity to come home.”

Baker’s coaching resume includes a pair of Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference Coach of the Year awards, a district runner-up finish, as well as twice being named a coach in the Cincinnati East-West All-Star Game. He broke into coaching following graduation and a four-year basketball career at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. As a player, Baker helped his squad to three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Baker’s Milford career featured back-to-back first team all-conference honors as a junior (GMC) and senior (FAVC) and the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Player of the Year award in 2008. He was inducted into the Milford Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017.

Current Milford Position(s):

• Varsity Boys Track & Field Head Coach (2015-present)
• Varsity Girls Track & Field Head Coach (2020-present)
• Teacher of Mathematics (2001-present)

Related School Experience:

• Teacher of Mathematics Madison High School (2000-2001)
• Madison High School Assistant Track and Field Coach (2000-2001)
• Milford Assistant Track and Field Coach (2001-2002)
• Assistant FB Coach Milford High School (2002-2005)
• Assistant FB Coach (O.C.) Madeira High School (2007)
• Milford Head Girls Track & Field Coach (2002-2012)
• Assistant FB Coach (O.C.) Indian Hill High School (2008-2014)
• Assistant Football Coach Milford High School (2014-2019)

High School Alma Mater:

• Chardon High School (1996)

College Alma Mater(s):

• Undergraduate ~ The College of Wooster (2000)
• Graduate ~ The University of Cincinnati (2005)

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School: Track and Field, Football
• College: Track and Field (4 years) and Football (1 year) 

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• Member of 1994 Division II State Championship Football Team
• HS Conference Champion Discus (1996)
• Former HS School Record Holder Shot Put (52’ 3.5”)
• 2 Time NCAC Champion Discus (College)
• Multi Time All-NCAC in the Throwing Events (College)
• National Qualifier (Ranked 21^st in NCAA Div. III) in the Discus (1999)
• 2^nd All Time at Wooster in the Discus & Indoor Shot Put
• 4 Year Varsity Letter Winner in Track @ Wooster 

Additional Information:

• Coached multiple State Qualifiers including Kim Strunk to a 6^th Place Finish in the Shot Put at the 2009 Ohio State Track Meet and Claire Carthauser to an 8^th Place Finish in the Discus at the 2016 Ohio State Track Meet.
• Coached the athletes that hold 11 of the 36 current Boys and Girls Track & Field School Records.
• USATF Level I Certified Track & Field Coach
• Shane’s family consists of wife Kristal, son Logan (14) and daughter Sydney (8).

Current Milford Position(s):

• Varsity Boys Track & Field Head Coach (2015-present)
• Varsity Girls Track & Field Head Coach (2020-present)
• Teacher of Mathematics (2001-present)

Related School Experience:

• Teacher of Mathematics Madison High School (2000-2001)
• Madison High School Assistant Track and Field Coach (2000-2001)
• Milford Assistant Track and Field Coach (2001-2002)
• Assistant FB Coach Milford High School (2002-2005)
• Assistant FB Coach (O.C.) Madeira High School (2007)
• Milford Head Girls Track & Field Coach (2002-2012)
• Assistant FB Coach (O.C.) Indian Hill High School (2008-2014)
• Assistant Football Coach Milford High School (2014-2019)

High School Alma Mater:

• Chardon High School (1996)

College Alma Mater(s):

• Undergraduate ~ The College of Wooster (2000)
• Graduate ~ The University of Cincinnati (2005)

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School: Track and Field, Football
• College: Track and Field (4 years) and Football (1 year) 

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• Member of 1994 Division II State Championship Football Team
• HS Conference Champion Discus (1996)
• Former HS School Record Holder Shot Put (52’ 3.5”)
• 2 Time NCAC Champion Discus (College)
• Multi Time All-NCAC in the Throwing Events (College)
• National Qualifier (Ranked 21^st in NCAA Div. III) in the Discus (1999)
• 2^nd All Time at Wooster in the Discus & Indoor Shot Put
• 4 Year Varsity Letter Winner in Track @ Wooster 

Additional Information:

• Coached multiple State Qualifiers including Kim Strunk to a 6^th Place Finish in the Shot Put at the 2009 Ohio State Track Meet and Claire Carthauser to an 8^th Place Finish in the Discus at the 2016 Ohio State Track Meet.
• Coached the athletes that hold 11 of the 36 current Boys and Girls Track & Field School Records.
• USATF Level I Certified Track & Field Coach
• Shane’s family consists of wife Kristal, son Logan (14) and daughter Sydney (8).

 

Ashley is a 2018 Milford graudate and played soccer and lacrosse. She also helped with the wrestling program as a Pinnette. Ashley on to get my Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness with emphasis in Athletic Training from Mount St. Joseph University. The Mount is also where she played soccer for 2 years winning a Conference Championship, making a NCAA National appearance, while also playing lacrosse. Ashley went on to receive her Master of Science in Athletic Training rom Xavier University. Certified in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Member of NATA, GLATA, OATA, and GCATA.

Current Milford Position(s): 
- Boys Soccer Head Coach (2006-Present)
- MHS Mathematics Teacher (2006-Present)

Related School Experience:
- Milford HS Boys Volleyball Head Coach (2010-2013)
- Milford HS Boys Volleyball Varsity Assistant Coach (2008-2009)
- Frisco Centennial HS Boys Soccer Head Coach (2003-2004)
- Pearce HS Boys Soccer Head Coach (1997-2002)
- RL Turner HS Girls Soccer Head Coach (1993-1996)

High School Alma Mater: Pearce High School (Richardson, Texas)

College Alma Mater(s):
- Undergraduate ~ Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
- Graduate ~ Currently studying at Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

High School and College Sports Played:
- High School ~ Soccer
- College ~ Soccer

Honors/Achievements/Awards:
- 2008 FAVC Buckeye Champions and ‘Coach of the Year’ (Boys Soccer)
- 2008 Cincinnati Enquirer ‘Coach of the Year’ (Boys Soccer)
- 2008 District Champions and Regional Finalist (Boys Soccer)
- 2003 District 12-4A Champions (Boys Soccer)
- 2002 District ‘Coach of the Year’ (Boys Soccer)
- 2002 State Semi-Finalist (Boys Soccer)
- 2002 District 10-4A & Region II Champions (Boys Soccer)
- 2001 District 10-4A Champions & Regional Finalist (Boys Soccer)
- 2001 District ‘Coach of the Year’ (Boys Soccer)
- 2001 Jesuit Meinster Champions (Boys Soccer)
- 2000 District ‘Coach of the Year’ (Boys Soccer)
- 1999 District 9-5A Champions & Regional Finalist (Boys Soccer)
- 1998 Jesuit Meinster Champions (Boys Soccer)
- 1996 District ‘Coach of the Year’ (Girls Soccer)

The Milford Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Kennedy Fails as the new head coach of the highly-successful Eagle Dance program. Fails is an accomplished dancer and choreographer who enjoyed stints as a collegiate and professional dancer. Her hiring is pending approval by the Milford Exempted Village School District Board of Education.

Fails has been coaching and performing since a young age and was a cheerleader and dancer while attending Kings High School. She then moved on to the University of Kentucky where she was a four-year Blue Squad member, helping the Wildcats to numerous top national competition finishes. During her final year, Fails was the team captain and earned Dancer of the Year and the coaches’ award.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts: Business and Organizational Communications from UK, Fails has continued as a self-employed choreographer for area dance teams ranging in age from middle school to college. She was also a dancer for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.

"We’re so fortunate to bring someone of Kennedy's ability to our Dance Program at Milford,” Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka stated. “Great dance coaches are few and far between and I believe we have one of the best in the area if not in the entire state in Coach Fails! She brings extensive experience in the cheer/dance world, including at the collegiate and professional levels. Her choreography is second to none and she will continue to build on our championship tradition and pedigree in the Milford High School Dance program!”

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to coach these young and talented athletes through their dance journey,” Fails added. “By working with this program in the past, these dancers can expect me to bring energy, creativity and authenticity. Everyone buckle up, it’s about to be a great ride!!”

The Milford Dance team has won back-to-back Eastern Cincinnati Conference titles.

Current Milford Position(s):

• Head High School & Junior High Diving Coach (2015-present)

High School Alma Mater: Milford High School (2011)

College Alma Mater(s):

• Associate’s: (2015) The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences - Nursing
• Undergraduate: (Present-2021) University of Cincinnati - Middle School Education

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School: Swimming, Diving, Water Polo

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• 2009, 2010 State Final Four - Water Polo
• 2010 South Regional Champion - Water Polo
• 2010 FAVC Girls Buckeye Division Champion - Swimming & Diving
• USA Swimming Certified Coach

Additional Information: Emma lives in Loveland, Ohio. She is currently attending school at the University of Cincinnati pursuing a degree in middle school education. She is a swim coach for Milford Area Swim Team.

Current Milford Position(s):

• Head High School & Junior High Diving Coach (2015-present)

High School Alma Mater: Milford High School (2011)

College Alma Mater(s):

• Associate’s: (2015) The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences - Nursing
• Undergraduate: (Present-2021) University of Cincinnati - Middle School Education

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School: Swimming, Diving, Water Polo

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• 2009, 2010 State Final Four - Water Polo
• 2010 South Regional Champion - Water Polo
• 2010 FAVC Girls Buckeye Division Champion - Swimming & Diving
• USA Swimming Certified Coach

Additional Information: Emma lives in Loveland, Ohio. She is currently attending school at the University of Cincinnati pursuing a degree in middle school education. She is a swim coach for Milford Area Swim Team.

Current Milford Position(s):

• Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach

 

Related School Experience:

• Miami Valley Christian Academy Varsity Volleyball Coach (2004 - 2014)
• Purcell Marian HS Varsity Volleyball Assistant Coach (2002)

 

High School Alma Mater: Anderson High School (Cincinnati, OH)

 

College Alma Mater(s):

• Undergraduate ~ Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
• Graduate ~ Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

 

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School ~ Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
• College ~ Volleyball, Softball

 

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• MVCA

OHSAA Div. 4 Sectional Champions - 2014

OCSAA State Runner-Up - 2013

OVAL Conference Champions - 2012, 2013, 2014

OVAL Coach of the Year - 2013, 2014

 

Additional Information:

Amy lives in Milford with her husband Nathan and children Julia and Alayna.

Current Milford Position(s):
- Softball Head Coach (2002-Present)
- Cheerleading Head Coach (2023-Present)
- MHS Social Studies Teacher (2001-Present)

Related School Experience: 
- Sycamore HS Softball Freshman Coach (1997-2000)
- Cheerleading Head Coach (2012-2018)

High School Alma Mater: Milford High School (Milford, Ohio)

College Alma Mater(s):
- Undergraduate ~ Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights, KY)
- Graduate ~ Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

High School and College Sports Played:
- High School ~ Cheerleading, Softball
- College ~ Cheerleading

Honors/Achievements/Awards:
Coach Gregory has been coaching at the high school level since 1997 and has been a head coach since 2002 for the Eagles. Her greatest coaching achievement was taking her varsity Softball team to the State Final Four in 2004. She also received the Cincinnati Coach of the Year Award in 2004 and the ECC Coach of the Year Award in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022.

Additional Information:
Coach Gregory is a graduate of Milford High School and is currently teaching a variety of classes within the Social Studies Department. She is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and has a Master’s Degree from Xavier University in Education. Coach Gregory also coaches a gold level summer softball team. On a personal level her family is extremely sports oriented and all of her children are involved in sports year round.

Current Milford Position(s):
- Softball Head Coach (2002-Present)
- Cheerleading Head Coach (2023-Present)
- MHS Social Studies Teacher (2001-Present)

Related School Experience: 
- Sycamore HS Softball Freshman Coach (1997-2000)
- Cheerleading Head Coach (2012-2018)

High School Alma Mater: Milford High School (Milford, Ohio)

College Alma Mater(s):
- Undergraduate ~ Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights, KY)
- Graduate ~ Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

High School and College Sports Played:
- High School ~ Cheerleading, Softball
- College ~ Cheerleading

Honors/Achievements/Awards:
Coach Gregory has been coaching at the high school level since 1997 and has been a head coach since 2002 for the Eagles. Her greatest coaching achievement was taking her varsity Softball team to the State Final Four in 2004. She also received the Cincinnati Coach of the Year Award in 2004 and the ECC Coach of the Year Award in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022.

Additional Information:
Coach Gregory is a graduate of Milford High School and is currently teaching a variety of classes within the Social Studies Department. She is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and has a Master’s Degree from Xavier University in Education. Coach Gregory also coaches a gold level summer softball team. On a personal level her family is extremely sports oriented and all of her children are involved in sports year round.

Current Milford Position(s):

- Head Football Coach (2017-present)

- Junior High P.E. Teacher (2017-present)

 Related School Experience:

- Head Football Coach at Elder High School 1987-1996

- Head Football Coach at Fairfield High School 1997-2002

- Head Football Coach at LaSalle High School 2003-2012

- Offensive Coordinator Mount St Joseph University 2013-2016

High School Alma Mater:

- Reading High School 1974 

College Alma Mater(s):

- Undergraduate ~ College of Wooster 1978

- Graduate ~ Marygrove College 2002

High School and College Sports Played:

- High School ~ Football, Baseball, Basketball

- College ~ Football, Baseball

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

- Coach of the Year 1984 - LaSalle Baseball, 1988 Elder Football, 1989 Elder Football, 1991 Elder Football, 1995 Elder Football, 1996 Elder Football, 1999 Fairfield Football, 2010 LaSalle Football, 2017 Milford Football (Cincinnati Enquirer)

- At Reading High School earned 2nd Team All City RB 1973, All Ohio Baseball 1974, Selected MVP of the North-South Baseball All Star Game,

- At Wooster earned 1st Team All Ohio Athletic Conference 2nd Baseman 1977

Nicholas Haller, currently a Milford High School social studies teacher and assistant swim coach, will be the school’s next boys head water polo coach, Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka is pleased to announce. Haller’s hiring is pending approval by the Milford Exempted Village School District Board of Education.

Since graduating from Miami (OH) University in 2021 where he was a Division I student-athlete, Haller has been with Milford High School, first as a substitute, then a long-term sub and now as a teacher of Financial Literacy and AP US History in the social studies department. He also recently completed his second season as a swim coach for the Eagles with head coach Megan Stilwell.

“It's a monumental day for the Milford Boys Water Polo program as we announce Nick Haller as our new head coach,” Zupka stated. “Coach Haller has had an illustrious career in the high school, club, and collegiate swimming world and we are excited for him to take his talents to our boys water polo program! He will be a familiar face around campus with already being involved coaching the MHS swim program the last two years. I know he will work diligently to expand the crossover between polo and swimming athletes. At Milford, we have a proud tradition of water polo and Coach Haller will only add to that legacy of excellence.”

While at Miami pursuing his BS in Education, Haller was a four-year member of the RedHawks swimming and diving program. He was a three-time Mid-American Conference All-Academic Team member, while helping the squad to a pair of conference championships. Prior to Miami, he was a multi-time All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference performer and state qualifier at Anderson High School.

“I am beyond excited to begin working with the Milford High School men's water polo team as the new head coach,” Haller added. This is a wonderful opportunity to translate my knowledge and success with the Milford swim team into water polo. It is my desire to push every athlete to be the best possible version of themselves both in and out of the pool. I look forward to working with the team to build on past success and achieve even more in the coming season."

Current Milford Position(s):

• Girls' Soccer Head Coach (2019 - Present)
• MHS NGC Math Teacher (2012 - Present)

 Related School Experience:

• Milford Girls’ Soccer JV-A Head Coach (2015 - 2017)
• Milford Girls’ Soccer JV-B Head Coach (2013 - 2014)
• Loveland HS Girls’ Soccer JV Head Coach (2012)
• Bellingham HS Girls’ Soccer Varsity Assistant Coach (2007 - 2012)
• Bellingham HS Track and Field Assistant Coach (2008)
• Bellingham HS Mathematics Teacher (2007 - 2012)

 High School Alma Mater: Loveland High School (Loveland, OH)

College Alma Mater(s):

• Undergraduate ~ Ball State University (Muncie, IN)

       ~ Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL)

• Graduate ~ Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA)

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School ~ Soccer, Basketball, Track
• College ~ Soccer

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• Trinity International University (NAIA/NCCAA)          
• Named NAIA Academic All-American Honorable Mention
• Named NCCAA Academic All-American
• Selected 1^st Team All Conference
• Named NCCAA Regional Player of the Year
• Named NCCAA All-American
• Served as Captain of National Championship soccer team
• Selected as the National Tournament MVP
• Ball State University (NCAA Division I)               
• Played in all regular and postseason games
• Selected as Freshman Team Captain

Current Milford Position(s):

• NGC Math Teacher (2017-Present)
• Girls Cross Country Head Coach (2017-Present)
• Junior High Track Coach (2017-Present)

 Related School Experience:

• Girls Cross Country Head Coach (2004-09, 2013)
• Boys Cross Country Asst. Coach (2010-12, 2014-16)

 

High School Alma Mater:

Milford High School (Class of 1999)

 

College Alma Mater(s):

• Undergraduate ~ Northern Kentucky University
• Graduate ~ NA

 

High School and College Sports Played:

• High School ~ Cross Country & Track
• College ~ NA

 

Honors/Achievements/Awards:

• 2008 FAVC Coach of the Year
• Coached 4 individual and 1 team Regional Qualifier
• Coached 1 individual State Qualifier

 

Additional Information:

Matthew resides in Milford with his wife Kim (Milford Class of 2002) and two children Anna and Evan.

A familiar face will take on a new role in the Milford High School Athletic Department as current part-time staffer Corbyn Litke has been promoted to a full-time role as Assistant Athletic Director. She joins the department led by award-winning Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka.

Corbyn has had a hand in athletic administration at Milford for the last three years, joining as an intern for the 2019-20 school year. Her progression began the next year with a promotion to Athletic Site Supervisor. During the 2021-22 year, Corbyn took on added responsibility, accepting a supplemental Assistant AD position. In this role, she led the MHS Operations and Game Management efforts, including overseeing and supervising over 40 site supervisors and game workers.

"To have an opportunity to grow, develop, and promote someone within our department like Corbyn is something I am really proud of,” Zupka stated. “She started off as an Athletic Intern three years ago and has put the time in to move up the ladder in a very competitive field. Corbyn has a tremendous work ethic and desire to learn and grow in her knowledge and capacity in the sports industry. She has already built some tremendous relationships with our coaching staff, student-athletes, and support staff and her transition to this full-time role will be very seamless.

“In addition to her being a very bright, dedicated, and passionate young professional, I am very proud to have the opportunity to grow and develop a female leader in the high school sports world at Milford High School,” he added. “This should be a celebrated accomplishment, especially for our many female coaches, staff members, and student-athletes we serve."

Corbyn graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration degree. She was a student-athlete at ECC rival Little Miami High School during her prep career.

“I’m excited to make a difference in high school athletics,” Litke said. “I’ve known that I wanted to be a part of this side of sports since I was an athlete myself. Having this opportunity means a lot to me to work for such a great athletic department and grow the culture and tradition that Milford has. I hope to bring new ideas that inspire these athletes to be the best they can be and watch them grow in their sports. Having been around the last three years and seeing what Aaron has done for Milford Athletics and creating relationships with the coaches and athletes, I couldn’t think of a better opportunity to grow my love for this field.”

Corbyn’s position was approved at the April meeting of the Milford Board of Education.

 

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Becca McLouth will become the school’s new head girls lacrosse coach, pending approval of the Milford Exempted Village School District board. A former collegiate player and head coach, McLouth is a Milford resident and has been a part of the Milford Youth Lacrosse program as an assistant coach and clinic instructor.

McLouth’s most recent head coaching experience came during a two-year stint at Thomas More University in Northern Kentucky. Prior to her time leading the Saints program, she spent two seasons each as an assistant coach at Mason and Indian Hill High Schools. At Indian Hill, she helped the school reach the Division II State Championship game.

In addition to the hiring of McLouth as head coach, she will be joined on the Eagle coaching staff by her two sisters, Kiersten Groh and Megan Jones.

"It's an exciting day at Milford High School as we announce Coach Rebecca (Becca) McLouth as the next leader of our girls varsity lacrosse program,” stated Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “It was very important for us to find someone that has played the sport and coached at a high level, plus has a tremendous IQ of the game. Becca checks all these boxes. Milford Girls Lacrosse is ready to take the step forward to becoming one of the premier programs in Southwest Ohio. Becca has the vision, knowledge, and drive to not only transcend our high school program, but she understands the importance of the continuity and further development of our Milford youth lacrosse program. She will have an immediate presence in the community and knows what it takes to build a championship level lacrosse program. Great things lie ahead for this program with Coach McLouth at the helm."

McLouth played her collegiate lacrosse at Division I James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. While there, she was a two-year starter and led her squad in assists as a senior. McLouth helped the Dukes to back-to-back conference championships and an appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8. She was also a four-year scholar-athlete and a community service award recipient.

“Milford is a special community and I am very excited to join the athletic department and have the privilege to work with the amazing student-athletes within the girls lacrosse program,” McLouth added. “The winning excellence set by the athletic department at Milford creates a great foundation, mixed with the drive and desire that exists within the program; the sky is truly the limit. I am excited to be on board and can’t wait to see the heights we can take the girls lacrosse program to!”

As a high school player, McLouth began her career in Fairfax, VA before moving to and graduating from Southwest Ohio lacrosse powerhouse Sycamore. With the Aves, she was a first team All-American as a senior and honorable mention as a junior. McLouth helped lead the team to a state title in 2007 and three consecutive district and regional crowns. She was also the Ohio Defensive MVP during her junior year.

Christie was born and raised in Mason, Ohio. She went to Mount Notre Dame High School and then attended Thomas More University, graduating with a Master’s degree in Athletic Training in May 2019. She played four years of golf in college. Since graduating, Christie has worked as an Athletic Trainer in an orthopedic clinic and then at a high school. She is most passionate about rehabilitation and making sure the athlete gets back stronger than ever after an injury. In her free time, Christie like to cook, play golf, kayak, and ski in the winter. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her cat Mykie.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is excited to announce the next leaders of the Eagles highly successful Competition Cheer Team. Abby Mueller will join the program as head coach, with Grace Tilley coming on board as the assistant competition coach.

Mueller comes to Milford with a long list of cheerleading experience, including nearly seven years as the Director of Midwest Athletics in Batavia. As one of the founders of the program in 2016, Mueller has helped increase participation from 20 athletes at its outset to 130 currently. She has been active in all areas of the program including choreography, designing of uniforms and spirit wear as well as various administrative responsibilities. Mueller graduated from Northern Kentucky University and Batavia High School and accumulated 10 years of cheer experience as a student through the Cheerleading International Academy of Cincinnati.

Tilley has worked with Mueller at Midwest Athletics since 2020, also helping in the nearly six times jump in competitive athletes. She has a long history as a cheerleader at the Cheerleading International Academy in Cincinnati, Columbus’ Matrix Allstars and Midwest Cheer Elite in West Chester. She was also a cheerleader for a year at the University of Louisville. Tilley graduated from the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts.

The duo will take on leadership of a Milford program that was won eight straight Eastern Cincinnati Conference titles, state championships in the last three years a UCA Performance National Championship in 2022 and eight UCA Gameday National Championships since 2004.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that a mother-daughter duo has been brought aboard to lead the Eagles girls golf program. Current Milford junior varsity coach Katie Leist will move up to head the varsity program, while her mother, Leona Leist, will take over the reigns of the junior varsity program.

“This was a very unique opportunity for us to bring on board a mother-daughter team to lead our girls golf program,” Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka commented. “Katie has done a nice job with our junior varsity program the past two years and was a natural choice to move up to the varsity ranks. Leona has been a long-time educator and coach and we’re delighted to welcome her to Milford as well.”

Katie Leist was a four-year varsity golfer and the pre- and post-season conference champion as a senior at Kings High School where she graduated from in 2011. Following graduation from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Middle Childhood Education, Coach Leist worked for three years as an eighth grade Science teacher in the Middletown City School District. While at Middletown, she started the middle school golf program, before moving on to coach the Varsity Girls Golf Team in 2017 and 2018. Now an eighth grade Science teacher in Loveland City Schools, Coach Leist served as the Milford Junior Varsity Girls Golf Coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons under former coach Matt Thompson. She is excited about the upcoming season and is thrilled to be coaching alongside the person who first taught her how to play, her mom.

The Leist duo will look to continue the strong run of success at Milford over the last decade that includes the 2021 Eastern Cincinnati Conference Championship and a trip to districts as a team in 2020. In all, the Eagles have captured four conference championships since 2012. Two members of the 2021 squad recently announced plans to compete on the college level beginning next fall.

The Milford Department of Athletics is pleased to welcome Conor Peck as the Eagles new varsity boys lacrosse coach. Coach Peck joins the program after spending the last two years working within the lacrosse program at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.

“Coach Peck is an extremely passionate and enthusiastic person who understands how to create a positive culture that our student-athletes will thrive in, on and off the field,” stated Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “He’s a true leader of young men and will raise the standard of excellence for our boys lacrosse program. I know he will make an immediate impact on the leadership of the high school team while also bringing together the Milford lacrosse community."

Coach Peck is a Cincinnati native and alumni of Turpin High School and the University of Cincinnati. He spent his childhood enjoying and obsessing over all sports but fell in love with lacrosse while playing in the summertime with his cousins in upstate New York.

While attending UC, Coach Peck became the Head Junior High Coach at Walnut Hills High School, followed by three years as their Head Varsity Coach and Program Builder. In this role, he helped to establish 'Eagles Youth Lacrosse', the first youth lacrosse program in the Cincinnati Public School District.

For the past two seasons, Coach Peck has served as the Head Junior High Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach at CHCA. He also coaches the Resolute Cincinnati 2023 team and has a total of six years experience coaching with various select clubs. In addition to field lacrosse, Coach Peck has experience coaching box lacrosse, including with the Resolute Box League, and as a former bench coach for the Cincinnati Flying Pigs Semi-Pro Team of the IBLA.

Coach Peck currently lives in Oakley and works on the Digital Solutions team for First Financial Bank - focusing on their internal digital CRM and crediting tools. He is also a co-founder and board member of a non-profit memorial scholarship foundation honoring a friend and former teammate of his. In his spare time, Coach Peck enjoys being a proud Cincinnati sports fan, traveling, reading, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

“I’m incredibly excited to be the next head coach of the Milford Eagles boys lacrosse program,” Coach Peck said. “I have a lot of respect for the Milford community, school, Athletic Department and all involved in building lacrosse in the area to this point. I'm excited to work with our guys to continue to grow into one of the best community-based programs in Ohio. We’ll aim to build excellent representatives of our school and program on and off the field, through consistent culture/skill development, while winning a lot of games along the way. Go Eagles!”

I am proud to announce the next leader of our Boys Cross Country program, Mr. Timothy Richmond, pending board approval.

Coach Richmond, who is an Intervention Specialist at the Live Oaks School in Milford, brings a wealth of experience in the cross county world having 23 years of coaching background. He's been an assistant coach for the last 12 years at Lakota West, one of the premier running schools in the GMC and Southwest Ohio. Prior to this experience, he was the head cross county coach at Winton Woods for 10 years. Coach Richmond is an extremely passionate man who excels in building relationships and a positive team culture. His influence and energy will be felt immediately by our runners and in our school community.

When offered the position, Coach Richmond had this to say about the MHS program:
"The Milford Cross Country program has had a great reputation for a long time. I look forward to working with the boys to build upon that strong foundation. The Milford community really supports its high school and its sports teams. I'm very excited about being a part of this community. I'm very grateful for this opportunity. I just can't wait to meet the boys and get started! #WingsUp!"

Coach Richmond is excited about meeting his runners and getting to know you all on a more personal level. In the next week or so, we will be planning an in-person meet and greet (if possible) or coordinating a video call so you can meet Coach Richmond and ask any questions you have about the future of the program. Stay tuned as more information will be coming!

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Rob Rude will become the school’s new head bowling coach, pending approval of the Milford Exempted Village School District board. A long-time coach, official and official’s assigners in the Greater Cincinnati area, Rude will have administrative responsibilities for both the boys and girls programs, while serving as the head coach for the girls team. Scott Thomas will remain the head coach for the boys program.

Rude, a Milford resident, has a diverse background that includes over three decades of coaching and officiating experience. He’s coached multiple sports during his career, while officiating six different sports and serving as a trainer and officials assigner. Rude is also an Assistant Professor of Economics and Sport Administration at the University of Cincinnati.

An avid bowler since the third grade, Rude has competed in many youth and adult leagues and tournaments throughout his life. He’s currently a member of the United States Bowling Congress and a former member of the Young American Bowling Alliance, USA Bowling and the American Bowling Congress.

"We are pleased to welcome Rob Rude as our next leader of the Milford Bowling Program,” Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka stated. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience coaching eight different sports and coaching at all levels from being a varsity head coach down to the youth level. Rob has been an avid bowler since the 1980's and has coached youth programs as well as instructed many individuals with private training. It's a huge plus to have someone with his leadership experience running a program and bringing that expertise to Milford. With the excellent staff we've put together, the MHS bowling program and youth bowling in the community will continue to flourish!"

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to help lead the Milford bowling program,” Rude added. “I want each bowler to maximize their individual success as we work on building the best possible teams to compete for league and tournament championships.

“Bowling is a great sport that anyone can participate in throughout their lives,” he continued. “I look forward to helping generate interest in bowling throughout the Milford community for our elementary and junior high students so we can build a pipeline of future successful Milford High School bowlers.”

Rob lives in Milford with his wife Katherine, a long-time teacher at Milford High School and their children.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Rob Rude will become the school’s new head bowling coach, pending approval of the Milford Exempted Village School District board. A long-time coach, official and official’s assigners in the Greater Cincinnati area, Rude will have administrative responsibilities for both the boys and girls programs, while serving as the head coach for the girls team. Scott Thomas will remain the head coach for the boys program.

Rude, a Milford resident, has a diverse background that includes over three decades of coaching and officiating experience. He’s coached multiple sports during his career, while officiating six different sports and serving as a trainer and officials assigner. Rude is also an Assistant Professor of Economics and Sport Administration at the University of Cincinnati.

An avid bowler since the third grade, Rude has competed in many youth and adult leagues and tournaments throughout his life. He’s currently a member of the United States Bowling Congress and a former member of the Young American Bowling Alliance, USA Bowling and the American Bowling Congress.

"We are pleased to welcome Rob Rude as our next leader of the Milford Bowling Program,” Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka stated. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience coaching eight different sports and coaching at all levels from being a varsity head coach down to the youth level. Rob has been an avid bowler since the 1980's and has coached youth programs as well as instructed many individuals with private training. It's a huge plus to have someone with his leadership experience running a program and bringing that expertise to Milford. With the excellent staff we've put together, the MHS bowling program and youth bowling in the community will continue to flourish!"

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to help lead the Milford bowling program,” Rude added. “I want each bowler to maximize their individual success as we work on building the best possible teams to compete for league and tournament championships.

“Bowling is a great sport that anyone can participate in throughout their lives,” he continued. “I look forward to helping generate interest in bowling throughout the Milford community for our elementary and junior high students so we can build a pipeline of future successful Milford High School bowlers.”

Rob lives in Milford with his wife Katherine, a long-time teacher at Milford High School and their children.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Kate Schaeffer as the new leader of the Eagles’ Girls Water Polo program. A 2017 graduate of Milford, Schaeffer currently works as an elementary teacher in the West Clermont school district in addition to serving as the Assistant Manager at the Miami Hills Swim and Tennis Club.

“We are ecstatic to bring another Eagle back home to Milford High School,” state Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “Coach Schaeffer walked the hallways at MHS as a student and understands what the program means for our inspiring young women who have a great passion for the sport. I'm excited to bring in someone with her background in education who really understands how to develop positive relationships with our student-athletes. Coach Schaeffer's passion, energy, and enthusiasm will resonate with our girls immediately and I'm confident she will take our girls water polo program to new levels of growth and success! It's a proud day to welcome Coach Kate Schaeffer back home to MHS!”

A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Schaeffer has held various roles at the Miami Hills Swim and Tennis Club in Milford, including swim coach and lesson instructor.

“I am so excited to come back home to coach,” Schaeffer said “This program meant so much to me in high school and I can’t wait to carry that on to new players. Water polo helped to shape me into the person and teacher I am today and I hope to make that same impression on this team! I am thrilled to get started and help others fall in love with the sport! Go Eagles!”

Schaeffer’s hiring will be official upon approval by the Milford Exempted Village School District board.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Asif Shah will become the school’s new head baseball coach, pending approval at the next Milford Exempted Village School District board meeting. Shah joins the Eagles after spending the past five years as the head coach at Cincinnati Country Day.

During his tenure at CCD, Shah posted a career record of 66-39, earning the Miami Valley Conference Coach of the Year award in 2021 for leading his squad to the league championship. He was also the Southwest Ohio Baseball Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year in 2019.

Since August 2020, Shah has been the Assistant General Manager at Five Star Midwest Baseball and is also currently the head coach of the program’s 17U team where he has coached several current Milford players. Additionally, he’s been a long-time instructor at Diamond Baseball Academy locally.

“It’s an exciting day on Eagles Way as we proudly announce Coach Asif Shah as the next leader of our baseball program,” Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka stated. “The game has evolved drastically in the last decade and Coach Asif will bring some modernized concepts, training and influence to our program. He also has a strong track record of player development and great familiarity with our players through his training and travel ball coaching experience. The next generation of Milford Baseball starts now and we are in good hands with Coach Asif at the helm.”

"To say I'm excited about this opportunity would be an understatement,” Coach Shah added. “Milford has a rich tradition of winning baseball and I'm looking forward to adding to it. I'm elated to get to know the kids in the program as well as the rest of this genuine community at Milford."

Prior to his appointment as CCD’s head coach, Shah spent three seasons as an assistant at the school. In 2015-16, Shah served as the head coach at Finneytown High School. He also has two years of experience as an assistant at ECC rival Turpin.

Shah graduated from CCD before embarking on a collegiate playing career that included stops at the University of Akron, Wabash Valley Junior College and Southeast Missouri State. He also played several seasons of independent league baseball in the US and Canada.

Shah inherits a Milford program that has recorded the third-most wins in the Greater Cincinnati area over the last 10 years, capturing five Eastern Cincinnati Conference Championships during that span.

Milford Position(s):
- Boys Volleyball Head Coach (2014-present)

Related School Experience: 
- MHS Social Studies teacher (2004-present)
- Assistant Boys Volleyball Coach (2004-2014)
- Assistant Football Coach

High School Alma Mater: 
- Archbishop Moeller High School

College Alma Mater(s):
- Undergraduate ~ Miami University (Oxford, OH)
- Graduate ~ Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

High School and College Sports Played:
- High School ~ Boys Volleyball, Football

Honors/Achievements/Awards:
- League Honors, Southwest Ohio Honors, City Honors (Football)

Additional Information:
Jim and his wife Tiffany are the parents of two sons (Jae and Kason) and a daughter (Ella). Jim has coached volleyball for Milford and Moeller and coached football for Milford, Purcell Marian, and Madeira. He has also been a girl’s volleyball coach in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of former NCAA All-American Megan (Tomes) Stillwell as its next head boys and girls swimming coach. She joins the Eagles after serving the last several years as the girls head coach at her alma mater, Eastern Cincinnati Conference rival Anderson High School.

During her high school swimming career, she set many school and pool records and was a three-time state champion and an All-American in every high school swimming event. As a collegiate at the University of Tennessee, she was on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, was an NCCA Division I All American and an SEC top-8 qualifier all four years. She attended the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Trials, with her best finish being in the top-50 in the world at the time. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Ecology with a focus in Nutrition from UT.

“I’m excited to bring my experiences from my past successful swimming journey and my coaching knowledge to Milford High School,” Coach Stillwell says. “I’m very eager to lead this great group of swimmers to new levels of achievement.”

In addition to her high school coaching duties, Stillwell also coaches summer club swimming. Outside of coaching, she and her husband, Kevin are the parents to three boys: Crosby (7), Colton (6) and Callan (4).

"We are beyond ecstatic to welcome Coach Stilwell as the next leader of the Milford Eagles swimming program,” stated Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “She has an illustrious background and has competed at some of the highest levels in the sport. I know she will have an immediate impact on the individual development of our swimmers and elevate our program to new heights. We’re very fortunate to have someone of her caliber at MHS and can't wait to get her started working with our student-athletes!"

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of former NCAA All-American Megan (Tomes) Stillwell as its next head boys and girls swimming coach. She joins the Eagles after serving the last several years as the girls head coach at her alma mater, Eastern Cincinnati Conference rival Anderson High School.

During her high school swimming career, she set many school and pool records and was a three-time state champion and an All-American in every high school swimming event. As a collegiate at the University of Tennessee, she was on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, was an NCCA Division I All American and an SEC top-8 qualifier all four years. She attended the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Trials, with her best finish being in the top-50 in the world at the time. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Ecology with a focus in Nutrition from UT.

“I’m excited to bring my experiences from my past successful swimming journey and my coaching knowledge to Milford High School,” Coach Stillwell says. “I’m very eager to lead this great group of swimmers to new levels of achievement.”

In addition to her high school coaching duties, Stillwell also coaches summer club swimming. Outside of coaching, she and her husband, Kevin are the parents to three boys: Crosby (7), Colton (6) and Callan (4).

"We are beyond ecstatic to welcome Coach Stilwell as the next leader of the Milford Eagles swimming program,” stated Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “She has an illustrious background and has competed at some of the highest levels in the sport. I know she will have an immediate impact on the individual development of our swimmers and elevate our program to new heights. We’re very fortunate to have someone of her caliber at MHS and can't wait to get her started working with our student-athletes!"

The Milford High School Department of Athletics, under the direction of Aaron Zupka, is pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Tolliver as the Eagles’ new varsity girls basketball head coach. Coach Tolliver, whose hiring is pending by the Milford Board of Education, joins the Eagles after spending the past two seasons at Edgewood High School.

Last year, in his first full season as the varsity head coach at Edgewood, Coach Tolliver led the Cougars to one of the best seasons in the school’s history. Named the Southwest District and Southwest Ohio Conference Coach of the Year for his efforts, Coach Tolliver’s squad finished the regular season 20-2 and unbeaten in conference play.

"I'm ecstatic to announce Matt Tolliver as the next leader of our girls basketball program,” Director Zupka stated. “Anytime you can bring in a person of his caliber who has experience building a successful program and is a proven winner, there's a lot to be excited about. Our girls are going to love his fast-paced, energetic style of play and it's going to be a great brand of basketball to watch.

“Coach Tolliver has high expectations for our returning team to compete for a league championship immediately,” Zupka continued. “Our hope is to build a comprehensive program that our young ladies will be excited to be a part of and develop talent that will push us to be a perennial power in the ECC and Southwest Ohio year in and year out.”

Prior to his one year as Edgewood’s head coach and a season as a Cougar assistant, Coach Tolliver spent eight seasons building the girls basketball program at Little Miami High School. Among his coaching accomplishments between Little Miami and Edgewood are four conference championships, two sectional finals appearances and three conference coach of the year awards. Over his last four years as a head coach, Tolliver owns a record of 70-25.

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Courtney Walls will become the school’s new head girls wrestling coach, pending approval of the Milford Exempted Village School District board. Walls joins the Eagles after spending the last several years as the boys wrestling coach at Mt. Healthy High School and Middle School.

During his time at Mt. Healthy beginning in 2015, Walls has coached a pair of state qualifiers. He’ll also bring to Milford experience gained from wrestling at Pickerington Central High School near Columbus. At Pickerington Central, Walls was a state qualifier under the tutelage of three-time state champion Jason Allen. He also competed in the Junior Olympics in Michigan, helping his team to a third-place finish.

Walls attended Sinclair Community College and the Ohio State University, graduating from OSU with a BS in Computer & Information Science. He works in information technology locally at Heidelberg Distributing.

“I am beyond thrilled to announce Coach Courtney Walls as the next leader of our Girls High School Wrestling program at Milford,” stated Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “Girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the Midwest and our program has taken off the past few years. Coach Walls has previous head coaching experience and has made the state wrestling tournament in Ohio as a high school wrestler, so he knows the time, work ethic, and mentality it takes to succeed. Our girls will love his personality, experience, and drive to continue to grow the sport and lead us to new and unprecedented heights!”

"I’m excited to lead and inspire the girls in Milford's wrestling program,” Coach Walls added “Together, we'll achieve greatness on and off the mat.”

The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Tom Wynn will become the school’s new head boys wrestling coach, pending approval of the Milford Exempted Village School District board. Wynn joins the Eagles after spending the past 13 years at St. Xavier High School.

After joining the St. X family as an assistant and spending three years in that role, Wynn then served as the varsity head coach for the next six seasons. He transitioned back into an assistant role for the past four seasons. Wynn has also served St. Xavier as a Health and Physical Education teacher since 2007. During his tenure, Wynn has coached two state champions, five state placers and 13 state qualifiers.

“Anytime you can score a caliber coach such as Tom Wynn, it’s a huge addition to a program,” stated Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “We have a rich history and tradition in Milford Wrestling and this hire will propel us to the next level in Southwest Ohio. Coach Wynn has a track record of building programs and developing standout wrestlers and young men. We are going to win on and off the mat with Wynn! You can trademark that phrase now!”

Prior to arriving at St. Xavier, Wynn was a college head coach, first at Centenary College in New Jersey for two seasons and then at Mount St. Joseph University from 2001 to 2008. He was also a graduate assistant wrestling coach at South Dakota State University.

“I am extremely excited and honored to be named the next head wrestling coach at Milford High School,” Coach Wynn stated. “I have been extremely blessed to have coached with and learned from great head coaches at the college and high school level. The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of outstanding former coaches like Dave Norcross, Jim Costello and Pete Babinec to name a few, are big shoes to fill, and I am truly humbled and grateful to embrace the chance to lead such a storied program.

“Milford Wrestling is known for having incredibly talented and tenacious individuals and I am extremely excited to work with all of the returning athletes from last season,” he continued. “I acknowledge there were talented wrestlers who graduated this past season, and they will be missed. Milford Wrestling has always produced outstanding competitors on and off the mat and next season will be no different. I’m extraordinarily excited to get in the room with the returning wrestlers and get to know and challenge their abilities. My goal for this first season is to develop young men into exceptional student athletes who will lay the foundation to celebrate the remarkable wrestling Milford has always championed.”

Wynn was an accomplished wrestler in his own right, first at Blanchester High School and then at Heidelberg College. In high school, he was a two-time state qualifier, a regional champion on one occasion, as well as a two-time district and conference champion. Collegiately, Wynn was a four-time conference runner-up and a three-time national qualifier. He is a member of the Blanchester High School, Clinton County and Heidelberg College Athletic Halls of Fame.

At its March meeting, the Milford Board of Education approved Mr. Aaron Zupka, C.A.A. as the new athletic director for the district effective July 1, 2019. Zupka has been the athletic director for Middletown City Schools since 2016. Prior to Middletown, he was the athletic director at Clark Montessori for four years.

“We could not be more excited to have Aaron to lead our athletics department. He is student-centered and will bring tremendous energy to lead our athletics program to the next level,” said Milford High School Principal Josh Kauffman.

“I’m extremely honored to be the next athletic director at Milford High School. I feel I bring an immediate jolt of energy and enthusiasm to my work and that will be contagious to all who are around me,” Zupka said. “My main focus will be building positive student relationships and culture while looking to modernize how we do business in the athletic department. I can’t wait to get going and meet all the wonderful students, staff, coaches, and families in the Milford School District. I’m ready to soar with the Eagles!”

Zupka is a Cleveland native and graduated with his bachelor of science degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business from Xavier University. His past work experience also includes serving as the Assistant Athletic Director at Walnut Hills High School and as a Program Director for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.