Lorelei Black MS Ed.D.

When people ask about my success, they often look at the Olympic history or the "Dr." before my name. But I attribute my success to something much simpler: the willingness to try when the outcome is uncertain, and the belief that every child has a "pioneer" inside them.

Here is what has truly driven my journey and what I bring to your children every day:

• Showing Up with Heart: Success isn't always about being the fastest; it’s about being the one who refuses to give up. Whether I was the first woman to vault at an indoor championship or I’m helping a student find the courage to try their first somersault, I believe that persistence is more valuable than perfection.
• A "Solution-First" Mindset: I’ve learned that you don’t need the most expensive equipment to build a world-class spirit. My success comes from being resourceful—finding ways to make track and field come alive on a budget or turning a simple health lesson into a life-changing habit. I want to teach your children that they can create greatness with exactly what they have in their hands right now.
• The Power of Being Seen: I know what it feels like to be a "first" and to feel the pressure of performance. Because of that, I lead with empathy. I attribute my success as a teacher to the moments when I can look at a student who is struggling and say, "I’ve been there, too. Let's try it a different way." When a child feels seen and respected, they succeed.
• Bridging the Classroom and Life: My academic background from Columbia and my Ed.D. aren't just for my resume; they are tools I use to make sure your children are safe, healthy, and emotionally supported. I measure my success by how well I prepare my students for the "real world" beyond the school gates.
• A Foundation of Faith: I truly believe that "With G-d, all things find a way." This keeps me humble and reminds me that I am here to serve this community. My success is not my own; it belongs to the students I inspire and the families who trust me with their children’s growth.

I don’t just want to build great athletes; I want to build great people who are confident, kind, and ready to lead.

A Legacy of Excellence: Mentored by Ted Corbitt

My approach to education and athletics was shaped by the best career advice I ever received from my mentor and coach, Ted Corbitt. Known globally as the "Father of Long Distance Running" and a legendary Olympian, Ted taught me that true success is built on a foundation of quiet discipline and a commitment to always striving for improvement.

Being mentored by a pioneer like Ted Corbitt adds a unique depth to how I lead my students at St. Demetrios:

• Discipline as a Life Skill: Ted taught me that discipline isn't about punishment; it’s about the freedom that comes from being prepared. I bring this to my PE classes by teaching students that mastering small movements today leads to great achievements tomorrow.
• Resilience in the Face of Hurdles: Just as Ted navigated the challenges of being a pioneer in his era, he coached me to navigate the 3000m steeplechase with grace and grit. I pass this "pioneer spirit" to my students, encouraging them to be the first to try something new and the last to give up.
• Quiet Leadership: Ted was a man of few words but immense action. From him, I learned that a leader’s greatest tool is their example. Whether I am organizing a budget to revitalize our program or preparing meticulous lesson plans for two weeks, I am practicing the work ethic he instilled in me.

To the parents and administrators of St. Demetrios, when I work with your children, I am not just teaching them games. I am sharing a lineage of Olympic-level resilience and the values of a mentor who believed that with consistency and heart, every student can reach their own personal finish line.

"Don't wait for an invitation to lead; sometimes you have to be the one to build the path you want to walk on. Whether you are the first woman in a new event or the first to propose a new way of teaching, trust your 'pioneer spirit' and lead with both competence and kindness. Surround yourself with mentors who value discipline, stay resourceful when things are tough, and always remember that your success is measured by the community you lift up along the way. Most importantly, stay true to your values, with G-d, all things find a way."

The Challenge: In an age of screens and stress, many children are losing the simple joy of movement and the "social muscle" needed to work as a team.

The Opportunity: I see Physical Education as the perfect "classroom" to rebuild that confidence. My goal isn't just to teach sports; it’s to show students that their bodies are capable of amazing things. Whether we are working with a lean budget or a world-class facility, the real opportunity is in mentorship.

I want to pass on the lessons of resilience I learned from my mentor, Ted Corbitt, and from my own time as a pioneer in track, to the next generation. At St. Demetrios, our biggest opportunity is to build a program where every child, regardless of athletic ability, feels like a champion because they had the courage to try.

In both my professional and personal life, I find that my greatest strength comes from staying grounded in the core values of family, creativity, and community. Whether I am spending quality time with my daughter, knitting and gardening at home with my cats, or leading as an educator and Athletic Director, I believe that balance and heart are the keys to a meaningful life. My work at Chabad of Williamsburg and now at St. Demetrios is more than just a career; it is a commitment to building a supportive community where every child feels seen and valued. I strive to bring a sense of "pioneer" creativity to everything I do, finding resourceful ways to inspire my students and showing them that with a bit of imagination and faith, any obstacle can be overcome. Ultimately, I am guided by the belief that with G-d, all things find a way, and I aim to reflect that humility and persistence in the gym, the classroom, and at home.