Conway, SC - Atlantic Collegiate Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Douglas Leichner as the school's new Director of Athletics.

Leichner brings more than three decades of experience in athletic leadership, coaching, administration, and program development spanning high school, collegiate, professional, and international athletics. Throughout his distinguished career, he has built a reputation for developing championship cultures while helping student-athletes reach their full potential both academically and athletically.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Leichner to the Armada family," Atlantic Collegiate Academy principal Dr. Patrick Hartnett said. "His experience, vision, and commitment to developing young people make him the ideal leader to guide our athletic department into its next chapter.

"Doug is a high energy guy who will bring professional enthusiasm to ACA and Armada Athletics. His experience at the national level, both working with student athletes and preparing them for the next level, will serve our students well. He is  incredibly well prepared, has an incredible work ethic and focuses on relationships. With that combination, he will fit right in with the Armada."

A native of Torrington, Conn., Leichner was a standout basketball player at Holy Cross High School before continuing his playing career at Central Connecticut State University. A three-year NCAA Division I starter and senior captain, he earned his bachelor's degree in Social Studies-Secondary Education in 1992 before completing a master's degree in Modern American Society from Western Connecticut State University in 1995.

Leichner has coached and led athletic programs at nearly every level of the game. His career includes assistant coaching positions at Central Connecticut State University, the University of Maine, and Iona College, as well as head coaching positions in high school, collegiate, professional, and international basketball. While serving as head coach of Ireland's UCC Demons Basketball Club, he led the organization to a historic "Treble" championship season and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors.

Internationally, Leichner served as head coach of Great Britain's Under-20 National Team, guiding the program to a championship appearance and promotion to Division A of the European Championships. During his collegiate career, he established himself as one of the nation's premier international recruiters while mentoring student-athletes from more than a dozen countries.

Beyond coaching, Leichner has spent his career designing athletic programs, directing operations, organizing large-scale sporting events, developing coaches, and building systems that promote both competitive excellence and organizational efficiency.

Leichner was drawn to Atlantic Collegiate Academy by the school's innovative educational model.

"Atlantic Collegiate Academy isn't just another high school," Leichner said. "It's a launchpad. The combination of dual enrollment, flexible scheduling, and elite athletic development creates incredible opportunities for student-athletes to graduate with a significant head start academically while pursuing their athletic goals. The foundation that's already been established here is outstanding, and I'm excited to help elevate Armada Athletics to new heights."

Leichner's philosophy centers on accountability, continuous improvement, and helping young people maximize their potential.

"I've always believed the process is the reward," he said. "Watching student-athletes embrace hard work, develop confidence, and discover what they're truly capable of is the most fulfilling part of this profession."

Leichner and his wife, Traci, are the proud parents of two adult sons, Matthias and Markus. Away from athletics, he enjoys traveling, studying languages, reading books on leadership and personal growth, and spending time with family.

As Director of Athletics, Leichner will oversee all athletic programs while continuing to build a culture of excellence that reflects Atlantic Collegiate Academy's commitment to developing student-athletes of character, integrity, and achievement.
 

About Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA), located in Conway, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. ACA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10th grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades.