St. Rita of Cascia High School Announces AJ Avery ‘12 as Athletic Director
CHICAGO — Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D., President of St. Rita of Cascia High School, announced AJ Avery ‘12 has been appointed Director of Athletics.
Avery, who served as Assistant Director of Athletics at St. Rita since 2022, brings with him experience as a school administrator, coach, and athlete himself.
From 2019 to 2022, Avery held the role of Dean of Students at Art in Motion Creative Arts Charter School, where he honed his leadership skills organizing and mentoring students grades 7–12. While at Art in Motion, Avery founded the first athletic program in the school’s history.
“AJ is the epitome of what it means to be a Ritaman,” Deacon John said. “His readiness to take on any challenge and ability to make meaningful connections — with both our dedicated coaches and our incredible student athletes — make him the ideal Athletic Director. Our Ritamen have a great role model at the helm of our athletic program.”
Since 2019, Avery has coached for the Chicago Bulls Kid Nation where he leads, supports, and executes year-round youth basketball programs. This past summer, his strong connection with The Chicago Bulls resulted in St. Rita being selected as a hosting venue for hundreds of basketball players from across the Chicagoland area.
A Division I athlete, after a successful career on the basketball court as a Mustang, Avery played basketball for Western Michigan University for four years, including an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2014.
“It’s a full circle moment for me,” Avery shared. “11 years ago, I would’ve never imagined being back here. As Athletic Director, I’m thrilled to be able to create experiences for our student athletes that set them apart and pave the way for their futures.”
Avery earned his Bachelor of Art in Communication from Western Michigan University. A Chicago native, Avery graduated from Holy Angels Catholic School in Bronzeville before becoming a Ritaman, along with his brother Brandon McRoy ‘15.
AJ and his partner Jasmine are the proud parents of their son Jace and are expecting another baby boy in September 2023.
