Josh Loeffler ’99

I have loved sports as long as I can remember and I don’t think I ever could envision life without involvement in athletics on some level. The push toward coaching came, I think, from the incredible relationships that I have been lucky to have with my coaches. This started with my father, who coached my whole life, and continued with the great mentors I had leading our teams at Friends. Bob Tattersall, Brian Fahey, Jon Huxtable, and their assistants like Bill Harman, Dick Kittle, Rob Tattersall, Jim Friel, and others were incredible people to be around. They always made me want to be better and to do my best for the people around me. I think I realize now how special that is – not many kids get to have great coaches in three high school sports. They became and are still incredible role models and I want to be as good a coach and mentor as they were. You know, the real reason I wanted to come to Friends in sixth grade is because Coach T took my brother and I around on a tour of all the athletics facilities when we came to an admissions open house. I just knew I wanted to play for him. Best decision ever.

What are your current interests and passions?

I really spend the majority of my time outside of basketball and the university with my kids. We have a six and two year old so we are pretty busy with them. I am really lucky in that I have a job that incorporates so many things that I love. I get to interact with student-athletes, coach, watch a ton of basketball, support other teams at the school and stay really active. I still play basketball when I can. I have always enjoyed interacting with people so I try to meet up with friends and family as much as possible.

How has WFS impacted you since graduation?

First and foremost, I just wouldn’t be where I am without Friends. I transferred in and was immediately challenged to grow as a person and student. And then, my teachers and advisers were just incredibly important in helping me move on from Friends and gain admission to Swarthmore. I would not be working at Johns Hopkins if Friends hadn’t pushed me to become a better student and person. I think that there are two things that I appreciate most from my experience at Friends that help me today. First, is the influence WFS had on me to be open to new or different ideas and ways of thinking and to embrace people from all backgrounds. WFS constantly pushed us to be accepting and empathetic. Secondly, my teachers and coaches at WFS were tough but cared about me. I think they taught me that you can demand excellence without compromising values and while treating people well. I try to carry that with me at all times.

What are your favorite WFS memories?

It’s really the little moments that were barely moments with friends and teachers at WFS that I remember. Sitting in Mr. Brown’s advisory talking about nothing, being in the locker room goofing off after football practice, trying to talk my way out of being told to leave the library for not being quiet…these are the things that really stand out. WFS, really, was a pretty incredible place to grow up and that is largely due to the people there.