Coach's Spotlight - Stefan Billmayer
1. Name: Stefan Billmayer
2. Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama
3. College(s): University of Alabama Huntsville,
University of Georgia
4. Years at Athens Academy: 9
5. Family: My wife Betsy is also a teacher at Athens Academy; teaching 2nd grade
I have three boys, also at Athens Academy.
Alex - 7th grade
Nicholas - 4th grade
Hanns - Kindergarten
6. Memorable high school moment: Well . . . barring graduation, the senior prom, and countless adventures with friends and teammates out of school, I would have to recall memorizing the entire"Prologue" from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales on a challenge from my senior English teacher Dr. Schnell. After performing it in the hall for her and any that passed by, I knew that I was destined for literature . . . WHAN that Aprille with his shoures soote. The droghte of Marche hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licour, Of which vertu engendred is the flour . . .
7. What was the color and model of your 1st car and what do you remember about it?
My first car was a white 1971 MG Midget. It was in great shape including spoke wheels and a roll bar. Being a British car, it needed weekly maintenance that taught me patience and how to work with my hands. I'm not sure my German engineer father loved it as much as I did.
8. How do you like to spend your free time?
When I'm not coaching the high school boys, I love to coach my own boys on their club teams. I'm always looking for a good hike in the mountains or spending time at the lake with my family.
9. What is your “Special Spartan Moment”?
Hmm . . . as a teacher and coach, how do you have just one? I truly have many, but I suppose it is quite rewarding to see kids that I have taught and/or coached graduate. A graduating student is such a collective effort of all the teachers, parents, administrators and staff. I makes me proud to know that I contribute a piece of each student's potential to become whatever they set their minds to.
One moment that I will forever remember was this past year's game against former state champion Thomasville High School. On one hand, a 1-0 loss in the final minutes of the game for a Final Four slot was devastating, but on the other, I knew that we outplayed them throughout the match and witnessed incredible, heart, character, skill, and determination from our Athens Academy boys
10. What would you consider to be unique about Athens Academy?
Athens Academy is a school dedicated the individual growth of each student. There are so many great teachers at this school who really make a personal effort to make sure each student is getting what they need to become successful. As a father of three Athens Academy Spartans, I am thrilled they are here!
11. What subject(s) do you teach?
I teach 8th grade English.
12. What do you enjoy about your academic discipline?
Through literature I love to help 8th grade students realize that the world is a vast place full of joy and sometimes heartache. Getting them to view their world critically and analytically is the part I enjoy the most.
13. What sport(s) do you coach?
I am the head coach of the varsity boys soccer team.