Salem High Athletic Director Reilly Christie To Leave For New Position

SALEM, MA — Salem High School Athletic Director Reilly Christie is leaving the post to accept the Director of Athletics role at Malden Catholic High School.

Christie has served as an educator and Salem High's athletic director for the last four years.

Christie arrived in Salem in August 2021 as a computer science educator and head boys lacrosse coach. He also held assistant coaching roles in football and wrestling.

Before coming to Salem, he was a quality control analyst and graduate assistant football coach at Southern Methodist University from 2017-21, where he earned his master's degree.

"I did not make this decision lightly, as Salem has become my home, and I have truly witnessed how special it is to be a Witch," he said. "Salem is so important to my family. Thank you to my wife, Shannon, who is a Salem alumna, for introducing me to this wonderful community. Her family attended Salem High School as well, and I now understand why Salem means so much to them.

"The work that has been done by our coaches, teachers, staff, and students is exceptional, and I am incredibly grateful to have been part of the transformative growth and excellence Salem has experienced over the past five years."

Under Christie's leadership, high school athletics participation increased from 22 percent when he began as athletic director to 47 percent, according to Salem Public Schools. The district also said Salem High crowned 12 individual state champions across boys and girls wrestling, boys swimming and unified track and field, along with the 2026 MIAA Division 3 Boys Basketball Championship in March.

In November, Salem Public Schools was named a Unified Champion School District by Special Olympics Massachusetts, less than four years after the launch of Unified Sports in 2022.

Other highlights cited by the district included the 2024 baseball team's run to the MIAA Tournament semifinal round and the 2023 football team's trip to the Division 6 Super Bowl title game.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Reilly Christie for his exceptional service as Athletic Director," said Salem Public Schools Interim Superintendent Kate Carbone. "Finishing his tenure on such a high note — with several state championship titles this year alone — is the perfect reflection of his dedication to Salem sports.

"Reilly has raised the bar for what our programs can achieve, and the championship culture he fostered will inspire our student-athletes for generations to come."

"I thank Reilly for the passion, leadership, and heart he has brought to Salem High School," said SHS Principal Glenn Burns. "He believed deeply in our students, elevated our athletic programs, and proudly represented what it means to be a Witch.

"His impact extended far beyond wins and losses and will continue in the opportunities he helped create for countless student-athletes. While we are sad to see him leave the Witches, we know he will continue to make a difference at Malden Catholic. We thank Reilly for bringing his all every day."