award-winning athletics
From developmental and competitive sports for students starting in Grade 1 to multi-championship winning basketball and soccer teams in our Upper School, our athletic program strengthens our students not only physically and mentally but also allows them to develop life skills including
commitment, teamwork, and accountability.
teams for grades 1-12
Our dedication to educating the whole child extends to our approach in Athletics. Every student participates in regularly scheduled physical education classes and has the opportunity to play interscholastic sports. Our size allows us to focus on individual athletes. It also means that our student-athletes are exposed to an abundance of sporting opportunities.
Interested in a sport that we don’t currently offer? Run it by us. Your voice matters and your athletic endeavors are important to us. We will always do what we can to connect you to the sport you love.
meet our director of athletics
Colin Heffernan graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in History where he was also a member of the Central Michigan’s Division 1 wrestling team during his time there. He also holds a master’s degree in Coaching Education from Ohio University.
Mr. Heffernan served as an assistant wrestling coach at Central Michigan University. During his tenure, he helped lead the Chippewas to four conference championships, 14 individual NCAA Championship berths, and four individual conference championships. During this time, the CMU wrestling program produced 15 NWCA Academic All-Americans. Prior to returning to CMU, Coach Heffernan spent three seasons as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio University. In addition to his coaching experience, Mr. Heffernan has been actively involved in fundraising efforts to support athletic programs, securing resources that have directly benefited student-athletes and their development. He also has extensive experience organizing and implementing sports camps, offering opportunities for young athletes to enhance their skills and deepen their passion for athletics and academics.
COLIN HEFFERNAN
Mr. Heffernan brings a deep passion for athletics and the value and values it brings to Park students in particular, as he is committed to the scholar-athlete model. His references attest to the fact that he has created a positive experience for the student athletes he has coached, which is so important to Park’s culture.
A Cleveland native and graduate of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, he relocated in summer 2025 to the Buffalo area with his wife, Elaine, an East Amherst native, their young son Finnegan, and their dog, Chief.
OUR COACHES
BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL COACH
Joe Jones
Joseph Jones Ill will be returning to Park as our Varsity Boys Basketball coach. Coach Jones is a proud alumnus of The Park School of Buffalo, where he contributed as a player during the early years of the program's rise to success, including helping secure the 2014-2015 boys varsity state championship and federation championship. A former Division I student-athlete and 2021-2022 Sun Belt Conference champion, he was also honored with selection to the All-Canadian BioSteel All-Star Game, a prestigious recognition of his skill and leadership on the court.
Throughout his career, Coach Jones has focused on leadership, discipline, and youth development, fostering a winning culture at every level. With a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Sports and Fitness Administration, along with years of teaching experience, Coach Jones returns home as the newly hired head coach, committed to continuing The Park School of Buffalo's winning tradition and inspiring the next generation.
BOYS VARSITY TENNIS COACH
Sajeel Qureshi
Sajeel Qureshi is Park School’s Boys Tennis Coach. Sajeel was a former nationally-ranked junior in Canada and a NCAA D1 College Player at St. Bonaventure University. During his time as a player for the Bonnies the team won the Atlantic-10 Conference Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
After graduating from St. Bonaventure he spent 2 years as the Assistant Men’s & Women’s Tennis Coach at Eastern Illinois University and helped lead the NCAA Division 1 Panther squads to top 4 finishes in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Qureshi and his wife Naziya have two sons, Aariz and Ayaan, whom are both Park students and frequent tennis players.
Aariz on the Park Wycroft Tennis Courts, 2026.
BOYS VARSITY soccer COACH
Brendan Murphy
Brendan Murphy will step in as our Boys Varsity Soccer Coach. Brendan brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in athletic leadership and coaching, making him an outstanding addition to our community.
Brendan's impressive coaching career includes serving as the Head Coach at D'Youville College, where he notably led the transition to NCAA Division Il and earned the 2014 AMCC Coach of the Year award, guiding the team to its first playoff appearance in program history. He also achieved significant success as Head Coach for FC Buffalo, and he served as Goalkeeper Coach for the Rochester Rhinos. Brendan's commitment to player development is further highlighted by his roles as Director of Coaching for Western New York Flash North, Delaware Soccer Club, Amherst Soccer Association, and Orchard Park
Soccer Club, where he consistently increased participation, expanded camp attendance, and implemented innovative training programs.
Beyond his coaching prowess, Brendan is a USSF National A licensed coach and a US Youth Soccer National Youth License holder, reflecting his dedication to coaching education. He also brings valuable experience as a Coach Educator for New York State West and as Director of Goalkeeping for the NY West Olympic Development Program. A former professional soccer player, Brendan was part of the 1999 NCAA DIII National Championship team at St. Lawrence University, where he set a school record for shutouts.
