Longtime Jesuit AD Koch Set to Retire

After three decades leading the Jesuit Dallas athletic program through unprecedented growth and transition, Steve Koch has announced he will retire in the spring.

The defining moment of Koch’s tenure likely came in 2003, when Jesuit made history as one of the first two private schools accepted into the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the governing body for the state’s public and charter schools.

The landmark decision for the UIL ended decades of legal wrangling and put Jesuit on an equal playing field with the biggest and best programs in Texas.

“Transitioning to the UIL created so many competitive opportunities for our students,” Koch said. “Along with experiencing the tremendous facility growth on our campus, I’ll always be most proud of our commitment to nurture the athletic pursuits of our young men.”

Koch’s tenure included the introduction of 10 new varsity programs — including crew, rugby, hockey, volleyball and cycling — nearly doubling the number of sports offered at Jesuit.

“Steve has always been eager and willing to try new things,” said school president Mike Earsing. “If our students showed an interest, then Steve made sure to support them in following their passion.”

Stability has been a hallmark of the athletic director role. Koch was hired in 1994 to replace Gary Pasqua, who had been in the same role for the previous 29 years.

Since joining the UIL — after formerly dominating the Texas Catholic Interscholastic League — the Rangers have captured 77 district championships as well as 18 state championships in baseball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and hockey — the latter three of which are not UIL-sanctioned.

In 2010, the Jesuit soccer team became the first private school program in UIL history to clinch a state title. The Rangers added a Class 6A baseball crown in 2016.

Koch’s tenure also has included the growth of marquee events such as the S.W.E.A.T. Regatta and the Bob Stras Knights of Columbus Basketball Tournament. The annual Jesuit-Sheaner Relays has evolved to become one of the state’s most prestigious mid-season high school track and field meets.

“Working at Jesuit for the past 30 years has been an incredible journey filled with moments of joy, growth, and inspiration,” Koch said. “I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of student-athletes into the best versions of themselves, becoming men for others in sports and in life.”