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"Are you in shape?" she chides the young man, who smiles and nods.
James is the newly hired full-time athletic director at New Hope-Solebury (NH-S) High School. She replaces Josh Schoenly, who announced that he would be leaving the AD position after only one year, to relocate to his hometown area.
James' duties include overall responsibility for all the athletic programs at the high school and middle school, as well as intramurals at the elementary level. The Chalfont native brings years of teaching and coaching experience to the table. She began her career at a boarding school for girls in Virginia. She later moved back to Bucks and taught at Gwynedd-Mercy Academy (GMA) in Spring House, where she coached field hockey and lacrosse. James left GMA for a higher-paid teaching spot at Cheltenham High School, a decision she describes as difficult.
"I was sad to leave Gwynedd, but I had to make ends meet," she said.
Deciding to take the AD position at NH-S was a no-brainer. It's exactly where James wants to be, and she said the transition has gone as smoothly as it possibly could.
Referring to Schoenly, James said, "Josh left a lot of stuff in place; my hat's off to him."
James, who now lives in Jamison, has been involved in sports for as long as she can remember.
"I've played about every sport in the book since I was 6 years old," she said.
The CB West alum lettered in high school field hockey, basketball, and tennis, and was captain of all three teams. At Ursinus College, she majored in health and phys ed, with a minor in athletic training. She later added a master's degree in athletic administration from West Chester University.
Her biggest challenge right now, she says, is staffing. She has already hired three new coaches including JV boys soccer coach David Bechart.
James and the school district are currently searching for coaches to guide their JV girls basketball and eighth-grade boys soccer teams. A person to fill a varsity lacrosse coaching position, vacated by former skipper Walt Szemblek, is also needed and there are several other spring coaching positions still available.
James prefers to hire teachers as coaches, since helping kids learn the basics of the game is essential. She looks for candidates with a solid commitment to sportsmanship, positive attitude, and concern for the feelings of the players. Referring to the coaches presently on board, she said, "I'm extremely pleased with the kind of people they are."
The administrative style that James brings to her new job is one of understanding.
"I was a coach for so long; I know what coaches go through - the pressures they face," said James. "Many have time constraints, full-time jobs, and it's stressful trying to organize practices with limited fields available."
The high school grounds are under construction, and James anticipates the spring completion of a brand-new field with bleachers and lights.
She sees her role as ultimately supporting the student athletes, so that they learn to enjoy competition in a fun, safe atmosphere.
She emphasizes that schoolwork is top priority, and athletes are not penalized for missing practice if a study-related conflict arises.
"It should be a positive experience for them," said James. "And that's why I'm here - to make sure it is."
James says NH-S has the feeling of a private school, not because of fancy equipment, but because of a family-like atmosphere among the staff.
"They'll drop what they're doing to answer a question," she said. "I feel extremely supported. It's such a great place."
Parent involvement in supporting the athletic program is welcomed by James, and she said she is fortunate to have inherited a high level of volunteerism. She believes that open, honest communication is essential to the program, and will continue working on a project begun last year - to publish an athletic handbook for families.
"It's important to communicate what everyone expects and needs," she said.
James was hired using the district's usual selection process, according to superintendent Dr. Barbara Burke-Stevenson. A committee of teachers, administrators, support staff, and representatives from the community identified the most qualified applicants, conducted interviews, and then reached consensus to establish their overall top choice for the job.
"She's extremely current in athletics," said Stevenson. "And she's really a nice person. We're delighted to have her."
"I hope I surprise them," James said, "and that they'll have me for as long as possible."
