Starting January 1, 2026, the Hendrick Hudson School District will begin a new chapter in athletics and physical education with the appointment of Beau Morki as director of K-12 physical education, health, and athletics. The announcement was made by the district on July 1, ahead of the upcoming retirement of longtime Athletic Director (A.D.) Thomas Baker at the end of 2025. Baker’s departure will mark the conclusion of a 32-year career at Hen Hud — 24 of those years as A.D.
To ensure a smooth transition, Morki will officially join the district on October 1, 2025, working alongside Baker in a transitional capacity for the final three months of the year.
“I’m lucky, to be honest,” Morki told the Herald. “I get to be with him [Baker] for three months before taking on the role on my own. The learning that’s going to happen will be tremendously important for the success of the district.”
Meet Beau Morki: established educator and coach
With over 20 years of experience in athletics and administration, Morki brings a diverse background to Hendrick Hudson. For the past five years, he has served as a physical education teacher in New York City. His leadership experience includes roles as athletic director and associate director of athletics at private schools, including at the School of the Holy Child in Rye, where he helped guide the girls soccer team to a New York State Association of Independent Schools title in 2013.
But Morki’s resume in physical education stretches far beyond the gymnasium. He has coached soccer, golf, tennis, basketball, and lacrosse. Morki has also served as a coaching educator for the U.S. Soccer Federation, the Eastern New York State Soccer Association, and the Westchester Youth Soccer League. Since 2009, Morki has worked as technical director for the Eastern Football Club, based in Westchester.
A graduate of Fordham University with a master’s degree from Manhattanville University, Morki is a husband and father of two. Though he grew up in Los Angeles, he has called the Westchester/Connecticut area home for the past 25 years.
For Morki, the return to an administrative role feels like a natural next step.
“I’ve been an athletic director before at some private schools, and I think it suits my skill set — being a teacher and an administrator,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been working toward and wanting to do.”
During his time as associate director of athletics, Morki developed and launched several new sports programs in response to student and community interest. These include bowling, squash, tennis, and even a swimming program at the elementary level.
“When the interest and support were there, no task felt too daunting,” he said. “If we can support the student athletes and the community, I’m going to be all for those kinds of programs.”
Vision for Hen Hud: humility, listening, growth
When asked what he hopes to bring to Hendrick Hudson, Morki emphasized humility and service.
“My goal early on is going to be to listen — to the physical education staff, to administrators, principals, superintendents — and learn as much as I can from them,” said Morki. “The more I learn, the more I’ll be able to execute on what my role is here.”
He acknowledged the community’s familiarity with A.D. Baker and the importance of building trust over time.
“Trust begins with humility. It begins with empathy. It begins with a service mindset,” Morki explained. “There’s already a phenomenal staff here, and from what I’ve heard from the interview process, I’m walking into a very good situation.”
He also expressed deep respect for Baker’s legacy. “His reputation precedes him. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a legend in Section 1. All I can do is try to live up to him,” said Morki.
Crucial to his success will be building on what Baker has prioritized, such as the Pioneer League, which serves students with disabilities through Special Olympics. Morki says he’s prepared to do just that.
“If those needs are there, they’re going to be met,” Morki said. “I’m not coming with a predetermined mindset to cut programs. That’s not what I’m trying to do. I want to keep learning and support the needs of the district.”
Morki, a lifelong athlete who played six sports growing up, says he’s passionate about instilling a love for athletics among students.
“The most important life lesson sports and physical education can teach is work ethic,” he said. “When you’re part of an organization or a team, everyone has a role and everyone has to perform their task. Work ethic is a transferable skill our younger students can learn from and hopefully carry with them well after leaving Hen Hud.”
As he prepares to join the Sailor community in October, Morki’s vision is simple and student-focused.
“That Hen Hud students can become the best versions of themselves,” he said. “That they can look back at their career at Hen Hud and feel very proud and passionate about wearing a Hen Hud jersey, as well as keeping that same passion once they graduate.”
A message from Tom Baker
After more than three decades of service, retirement is almost near for Hen Hud’s Tom Baker. He joined the district in 1992 as a math teacher at Blue Mountain Middle School. Ten years later, in the fall of 2002, he became the director of physical education, health and athletics.
In an email to the Herald, Baker reflected on his time at Hen Hudson with gratitude.
“My time there has been nothing but rewarding, “ said Baker. “I have been truly honored to work with some of the greatest staff members. Nicole Laureti, the administrative assistant in my office, and Meg Greiner, our athletic trainer, are very simply two of the very best at their jobs. The coaching staff that I have had during my tenure has been tremendous. They are a truly dedicated and caring group of coaches that come to work every day to give our student athletes a positive experience.”
Baker says his work with students is what he’ll miss the most. “The relationships that I have forged with so many of them will last a lifetime for me. They have meant the world to me.”
“I am excited for the next stage of my life as this rewarding chapter comes to a close. I definitely would like to wish Mr. Beau Morki the best of luck as he begins this journey as a Sailor,” he said.
Looking ahead
To the Hendrick Hudson community, Morki shared a simple message of excitement and openness.
“I’m excited to get going,” he said. “Thank you to the entire community for welcoming me so far. My door is always going to be open to anyone once I begin.”
In an increasingly diverse district, Morki also noted his ability to connect with families across languages and cultures.
“I come from a Hispanic background. I speak Spanish fluently and lived in Mexico City for many years,” he said. “If at any moment that’s needed, I’m happy to communicate with Spanish-speaking families as well.”
As Hendrick Hudson prepares to turn the page on a historic era, it does so with a leader that is committed to service, collaboration, and growth — values that will help shape the future of Hen Hud athletics for years to come.
