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Being heavily involved in activities and athletics at St. Edmond High School helped shape David Flattery into the person he is today.
Now, Flattery wants to do the same for the next generation of Gaels.
The school announced on Tuesday that Flattery has been hired as the new activities and athletics director. His tenure will officially begin August 1.
Most recently, Flattery has served as the pitching coach for the Iowa Central Community College baseball program.
A 2013 graduate of St. Edmond, as well as an Iowa Central, the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Augustana University alum, Flattery will rely on those teaching moments he experienced as a youth in his new position.
"I want to be that light for students," he said. "I want to be a positive influence for as many people as I can. That's what drives me.
"Sports and activities are fun, but what's so great about them is that they teach you lessons to make you successful later in life. That is really my life in a nutshell."
Flattery was an all-stater for St. Edmond and the 2013 Terry Griffey Award winner, competing in football, basketball, golf, track and baseball. He later went on to pitch for Iowa Central, UNO and Augustana, helping the Vikings win the 2018 NCAA Div. II national title.
"I was thrilled with the quality of applicants we had for this position," said Mary Gibb, president of St. Edmond Catholic Schools. "To have a former all-state student-athlete that wants to come back and lead a program that gave so much to him during his high school career is invaluable.
"David looks forward to being a role model for students and he plans to bring the faith component back into our athletic programs. I'm very excited for David to begin his duties August 1."
But athletics were only part of Flattery's upbringing. A business major, he was an Academic All-American at Iowa Central and made the Summit League Academic Honor Roll after being involved in choir, band, musical and jazz band as a Gael.
"I hope I can relate to a lot of students," Flattery said. "I met a lot of people while I was in school by branching out and being involved. Hopefully every single student feels comfortable with confiding in me and coming to me with anything they have questions about."
Flattery earned his A.A. degree from Iowa Central in 2015, his business administration from UNO in 2017 and his Master's in sports administration and leadership from Augustana in 2019.
Upon graduating from Augustana, Flattery accepted a position with the Triton coaching staff. He admits the career shift was one not on his mind before it came together, but quickly became a strong desire.
"Even a month ago, I was talking with the Minnesota Twins about a position because that was something of interest to me," Flattery said. "I started getting calls right away when the opening St. Edmond came up and I really took time to think about it and pray about it.
"It really seemed like the right thing to do so I gave it a shot, went through the process and it just really seemed like a good fit."
Flattery found himself feeling nostalgic during the interview process.
"Walking through the halls and seeing familiar faces really brought a joy to me," he said. "I felt a strong excitement to be back there and to work with the people that changed my life growing up.
"It's just super, super exciting."
Flattery will remain with Iowa Central through June to assist in recruiting for the upcoming season.