Spotlight on James Overhiser: Balancing Coaching and Higher Education
For James Overhiser, a career in wrestling has been more than just a passion—it has shaped his path in both athletics and education. Now a student in the Master of Arts in Education Administration program at Missouri Valley College, James is working toward a future in leadership while continuing to coach at the collegiate level.
Overhiser’s journey in wrestling began at Cornell University in New York, where he studied Urban Planning and competed as a wrestler before graduating in 2020. His love for the sport naturally transitioned into coaching, starting at West Point. From there, he moved on to Stanford University before landing his current role as a wrestling coach at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Coaching at the collegiate level has been a fulfilling experience for Overhiser. “This is the most fun job I could have,” he said. “It’s rewarding to work with student-athletes and help them grow, not just in competition but in their overall development.” However, he acknowledges the unpredictability of the profession. “It’s a volatile field. Coaching changes happen frequently, and job security isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why I’m thinking ahead.”
While he loves being involved in college wrestling, Overhiser is considering a transition into educational administration at either the high school or collegiate level. His long-term goal is to take on a leadership role, potentially as an athletic director—an option that would allow him to stay connected to sports while providing greater stability and a family-friendly career path.
“The idea of moving into administration appeals to me because it would allow me to stay involved in athletics while also providing more structure and long-term security,” he explained. “Being an athletic director or working in school administration would let me combine my passion for sports with leadership and mentorship in a different way.”
Balancing a full-time coaching career with graduate studies can be challenging, but Overhiser has found MVC’s program to be an ideal fit. He credits the flexibility of the curriculum, the quality of his professors, and the ease of using Brightspace, Missouri Valley’s Learning Management System, as key factors in his positive experience.
“The ability to self-pace my coursework is really important with my schedule,” he said. “The flexibility is great, and the instructors have been very accessible. That was something I was really looking for in a program, and overall it’s been a very positive experience.”
As he continues his academic and professional journey, Overhiser remains committed to making an impact—whether on the mat or in an administrative role. With a strong foundation in both athletics and education, he is poised to take on the next challenge, wherever his path may lead.
