Plymouth High School names Ryan Welch as new Athletic Director pending school board approval

Plymouth High School Principal Jacob Singleton announced Wednesday afternoon that Ryan Welch has been named the next Athletic Director at Plymouth High School, pending approval by the School Board.

Welch is a 2008 graduate of Plymouth High School, where he competed in football, basketball, and baseball as a Pilgrim student-athlete. During his time at PHS, he was part of conference championship teams as well as sectional, regional, semi-state, and state championship programs. He also earned NLC All-Conference honors in basketball during his senior year.

After graduating from Plymouth, Welch earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Ball State University and later a master's degree in school administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He spent four years teaching fourth and fifth grade before being named assistant principal at Riverside Intermediate School in 2016, a role he held for six years. Since 2022, Welch has served as principal of Menominee Elementary School, where he has helped drive academic gains while building a positive school culture for students, staff, and families.

In addition to his administrative career, Welch has coached basketball and baseball at both the middle school and high school levels and has remained actively involved in youth sports throughout the community.

Principal Singleton expressed strong enthusiasm for the hire.

"Ryan has deep ties to the Plymouth community, is passionate about sports, and is a proven leader," Singleton said. "I have no doubt he will bring tenacity, focus, and a high level of success to this position while honoring the rich tradition of Plymouth athletics and the many great leaders who came before him."

Welch also shared his excitement about returning to Plymouth in a new capacity.

"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as the next Athletic Director at Plymouth High School," Welch said. "Plymouth Athletics has a strong tradition of pride, competitiveness, and community support. I look forward to working alongside our coaches, student-athletes, families, and staff to help our athletes and athletic programs do great things!"

Ryan and his wife, Shelly, have three children — Cameron, 10; Sadie, 8; and Matthew, 5 — all of whom attend Plymouth Community Schools.

The appointment is pending formal approval by the Plymouth School Board.