Recently the Alumni Office caught up with Andrew Banadda, Class of 2006, who shared some great Bullis memories.
Q. What were your favorite classes when you were a student?
Physics with Dr. B (Dr. Badraslioglu) was great, and so were classes with “Ms. Blu” (former teacher and coach Nancy Bluthardt), who taught Psychology. I had a note from her on my parent’s refrigerator for years with a snippet from The Gazette: “Good job, you rotten kid!” Her trademark saying was endearing, never insulting.
Q. What student activities were you involved in?
Most of my time outside academics was in soccer. I did different sports—track as a sophomore, and as a junior, wrestling was a wake-up call with the challenge of competing against more experienced wrestlers. Track season was fun, and the coaches understood my club soccer commitments on the weekends. The soccer team was amazing during my senior year, when we were undefeated in the IAC. The squad was filled with talent.
Q. What traditions were important to you and your classmates?
Homecoming weekend and the painting of the stadium seating as a senior—I loved the atmosphere that weekend. The school gave seniors a chance to mark OUR year and decorate the stadium and not our cars (or our parents’ cars!).
Q. What one experience at Bullis had a lasting impact on your life?
Attending Bullis helped put me on the path I am on today. I learned essential leadership skills, which I apply when working with athletes at all levels building toward high performance. As a coach and director, I ask myself how to make the best of the potential of the individual, the team, or the organization. I want to end the work day knowing I have done everything I can to create a highperformance environment.
Q. What role do you see yourself or other alumni playing in the Bullis community?
I see myself as a resource to the Developmental Phase Director at Potomac Soccer. Bullis community to provide advice to those looking to get into the sports industry. I was introduced to Bullis by a friend, and others reached out and supported me. I plan to extend the courtesy to others as well.
Q. What piece of advice would you offer a student entering Bullis for the first time?
Be willing to embrace change and in some cases, start over. Whether going from public to private or entering high school, the experience can be daunting. Find an activity that suits your interest. The school provides plenty of opportunities where students can feel supported. Be fearless, courageous, and generous!
From left: Matt Arrington of DC United Academy; Pierre Sourbrier, head athletic trainer for Portland Thorns; Crystal Dunn of the US National Team; and Andrew Banadda ’06.
This article is featured in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of Bullis Magazine.
- Alumni News
- Alumni Spotlight
- Bullis Magazine
- Class of 2006
- Fall/Winter 2021
