December 12, 2016
When Jacob Schwartz graduated from MPA in 2009, 
he had an inkling that he’d be back. He played basketball for the Panthers since seventh grade, including three years as a member of the varsity team, culminating with an All-Conference Award in his senior season. Coach Schwartz, as he’s affectionately known by his players, returned to MPA in the fall of 2015 as the Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Head Coach and Assistant Boys Varsity Basketball Coach.
Schwartz came back to MPA because it was home for him. “Being an MPA alum, I truly understand the community,” he says. “I know who MPA students are as people and that helps me understand how to connect with them on the court and help them play together.”
He is excited about the direction of the basketball program. “I feel invigorated to be in a position to inspire our student athletes. Their commitment to our program and camaraderie with each other makes me glad to be back.”
Coach Schwartz is known for impassioned pre-game speeches. He stresses a commitment to compete and a sense of team over self. “I remind our athletes that no one else can control their will to compete or their drive to make each other better. My philosophy is that putting the team first leads to good things.”
Schwartz believes that athletics are critical because they bring the MPA community together, connect MPA to the broader community, and teach the strong values needed to make twenty-first century citizens.
Welcome back, Coach Schwartz.
