Deb Surgi is a nationally respected athletic administrator, coach, and consultant with more than 35 years of experience leading high-performing athletic programs at independent schools. Throughout her career, Deb has been dedicated to helping schools develop mission-driven athletic departments that prioritize student growth, leadership development, competitive excellence, and community engagement. Known for her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, she partners with schools to strengthen athletic culture, mentor coaches, and align athletics with the broader educational mission.

Most recently, Deb served as Director of Athletics at The Hockaday School (TX), where she provided leadership for one of the nation’s premier independent school athletic programs. Prior to Hockaday, she spent more than two decades as Director of Athletics at The Baldwin School (PA), where she oversaw the school’s interscholastic athletic and physical education programs, managed more than 65 coaching positions, and served as a member of the senior administrative team. During her tenure, she developed a comprehensive ten-year athletic strategic plan, helped lead the fundraising effort for Baldwin’s $25 million athletic complex, established the Blue Gray Parent Club, and worked across the school community to build a sustainable vision for athletics. Before Baldwin, Deb served as Athletic Director at Moorestown Friends School (NJ), where she became the first female athletic director in Burlington County. There, she expanded athletic opportunities by adding seven new sports and 14 teams while helping guide the development of a new Arts and Athletic Field House.

Deb began her career at the Academy of the Sacred Heart (LA), where she built one of the state’s premier volleyball programs while teaching health and coaching multiple sports. During her tenure, she led the Cardinals to three state championships, five consecutive district championships, and more than 200 victories, earning numerous Coach of the Year honors at the district, metro, and state levels. She was inducted into both the Academy of the Sacred Heart Hall of Fame and the New Orleans Prep Hall of Fame in recognition of her lasting impact on student-athletes and the game of volleyball. She also founded Loyola University New Orleans’ first women’s volleyball program, establishing its recruiting strategy and leading the team to early competitive success.

Deb is widely recognized as a leader in independent school athletics and remains passionate about mentoring athletic directors, developing exceptional coaches, and helping schools create athletic experiences that support the growth, confidence, and well-being of every student-athlete.