LIBERTY – The Liberty Central School District has named their new Director of Athletics, Erin Alvord.

She takes the place of Peter Bianco, who was hired by the district in 2019, and recently took the position of Executive Director of Physical Education, Health Services, Athletics and Recreation at the Poughkeepsie City School District.

Alvord is in her 18th year at Liberty High School teaching physical education, and she has coached various sports, including modified cross country, basketball and softball.

Alvord graduated from Tri-Valley Central School in 1996, and after attending college took a PE teaching position at Liberty High School in 2004.

“Although I was a Tri-Valley graduate, I had an instant connection with the Liberty students and staff. It has been my second home for the past 18 years and I intend to finish my career here,” Alvord explained.

In taking over as the Athletic Director, Alvord has looked at her past experiences with ADs to help with the new role. “I have worked with Kurt Buddenhagen (Monticello), and Jason Semo (Washingtonville) and both have been great examples of the positive impact an athletic director can have on a school district and the students.”

Although Alvord is intent on having a positive impact in Liberty, the decision to take over as the Athletic Director was not one that she made lightly. Aside from her students, she is also a wife and a mother, with her two children currently in Liberty Middle School.

Her children participate in various activities outside of Liberty, including travel baseball and American Ninja Warrior obstacle course competitions.

“In the end, having my husband’s full support that we can handle it and him reminding me of how many ADs I have seen in my 18 years, and that I may end that cycle, led me to say yes. I love Liberty and I love the students.”

Alvord has received support from colleagues, as well as students, after taking over in her new position.

“I am proud to have them as students, everything I do in my time here is for them, all of them, not just the athletes, and I refuse to let them down.”

Alvord concluded by thanking Liberty High School Prinicipal Derek Adams for his support during the transition into the new position.

“He has been a great supporter and I could not be more grateful to have his help,” she said. “I am not sure I could have learned so much in so little time without his help.”