Menlo School has appointed John Farmer as its next Director of Athletics. Farmer, who guided the program at The American School in London, will assume the role in July, succeeding Earl Koberlein, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Farmer was selected following a comprehensive search that drew more than 250 candidates from schools and colleges across the country and abroad. For the past 12 years, Farmer has served as Athletic Director at The American School in London—his high school alma mater—where he oversees a broad-based program that includes 15 Upper School sports, a robust Middle School athletics offering, and 112 teams across three seasons.

“Exceptionally well suited to the role, John brings a warm, relational leadership approach, an unwavering commitment to student-athlete growth and well-being, and the experience to advance our strategic priorities—building on our tradition of competitive excellence, strengthening school spirit, and developing character while supporting coaches in helping every student-athlete reach their full potential,” Menlo Head of School Than Healy said.

He also brings valuable experience leading beyond a single school community, having chaired both the International Schools Sports Tournament Athletic Directors group in Europe and the London Schools Sports Association Athletic Directors, roles that reflect his ability to steward complex organizations, build consensus, and think strategically about school athletics.

“I am beyond thrilled to be joining Menlo as its new Athletic Director,” Farmer said in accepting the role. “It is clear to me that Menlo is an institution of the highest caliber, led by an exceptional leadership team that fosters a truly special environment for growth and development. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented and dedicated coaching staff and to build upon the School’s traditions. More than anything, I am eager to get to know the Menlo community, especially the remarkable students who define the spirit of the school.”

Farmer, a three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball, and baseball at the American School in London, understands firsthand how the lessons of middle and high school athletics help shape a student’s character and development. He emphasizes his strong alignment with Menlo’s commitment to character development and his belief in athletics as a vital extension of the educational experience.

“In my conversations throughout this process, it’s clear that balance and character are central to the Menlo experience. I view the field as an extension of the classroom—perhaps the most ‘authentic’ classroom a student has.

In the classroom, a student has time to draft and edit. On the field, they have to react in real-time with grace and humility under pressure. My role is to bridge those moments. For example, when a high-stakes play goes wrong, I don’t just focus on the technical error; I focus on the character response. I encourage athletes and coaches to reflect on how they represent their school, their team, and themselves at that moment.

Furthermore, I support Menlo’s value of balance by being a partner in their academic journey. Supporting a student-athlete means recognizing their lives are integrated and complex, in the sense that we need to help students balance their academic, athletic, and personal lives.”

Farmer will succeed Koberlein, who has guided Menlo Athletics since 2018 after serving as Associate Athletic Director at Stanford. Koberlein will stay with Menlo until June 30.