Adam McDonnell Returning to Xavier to Serve as Next Activities Director

Announcement Date: April 22, 2025

Xavier High School is proud to announce the return of Adam McDonnell as the school’s new Activities Director. A familiar face in the Xavier community, McDonnell brings with him an exceptional background in leadership, activities administration and a demonstrated passion for helping students grow in faith through participation in high school activities.

McDonnell previously served as Xavier High School’s Activities Director from 2019 to 2022, where he implemented the 3D+ Coaches Education framework and spearheaded several key initiatives, including the formation of a Student Activities Leadership group and the development of a long term vision for Xavier’s activities programs. His return further strengthens Xavier’s commitment to enhancing student experiences through athletics, fine arts, and co-curricular activities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam back to Xavier,” states Xavier High School principal, Lynn Holverson. “His proven leadership, innovative thinking, and deep understanding of the Xavier mission make him the ideal person to lead our activities program into the future.”

Most recently, McDonnell served as the District Activities Director for Cedar Rapids Community School District, where he oversaw programming across nine schools, managed district-wide policies, budgets and facilities – and advocated for safe, equitable extracurricular opportunities. Prior to his time with CRCSD, he served as Activities Director for grades 10–12 at Ankeny High School, demonstrating a strong ability to manage complex scheduling, budgeting, and staffing at a large school.

McDonnell holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa, where he also completed his undergraduate studies in Physical Education, with minors in Coaching and Health Education. He is a Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) and an active member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association (IHSADA).

Known for his student-first philosophy, collaborative leadership style, and strategic planning, McDonnell is excited to return to a school that has remained close to his heart. 

“I am incredibly honored and excited to return to Xavier High School as the Activities Director,” states McDonnell. “This school holds a special place in my heart, and I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to once again serve and lead in a community that I care so deeply about. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support—without their love and encouragement, this journey wouldn’t be possible. I am also thankful to the administration for entrusting me with this role again. As Activities Director, my commitment has been and will continue to be to all student activities: Athletics, fine arts, clubs and everything in between. Every student deserves the chance to be seen, heard and celebrated. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff to create meaningful and memorable experiences for our students.”

McDonnell will assume his new role, pending board approval, on July 1, 2025. He succeeds outgoing Xavier Activities Director, Matt Svare, who recently accepted the principal position at West Delaware High School in Manchester.  

Please join us in welcoming Adam McDonnell back to the Xavier family!