The Mt. Lebanon School District has named Daniel Bonaventura as its new athletic director for grades 7–12.
The district’s board of school directors approved Bonaventura’s appointment at its March 9 meeting. He will begin the role in May 2026, allowing time for a transition with current athletic director John Grogan, who is retiring after years of service to the district’s athletics programs.
Bonaventura brings extensive experience in athletic administration and student-athlete development at the collegiate level. He currently serves as associate athletics director for student-athlete development at Robert Morris University, where he oversees programs focused on leadership development, career readiness and community engagement for student-athletes. He also serves as the academic liaison for student-athletes and the sport administrator for the men’s basketball program.
Before joining Robert Morris, Bonaventura worked at the University of Pittsburgh as director of mentorship, where he led a program supporting more than 150 student-athletes and 200 mentors. While serving as a career consultant at Pitt, he helped graduating student-athletes achieve a 99 percent career outcomes rate by connecting them with career opportunities and professional development opportunities beyond athletics.
Earlier in his career, Bonaventura worked at Lamar University in Texas and with Spurs Sports & Entertainment, gaining additional experience in athletics operations and student-athlete support.
District officials said Bonaventura’s background aligns well with Mt. Lebanon’s strong tradition of athletics combined with academic achievement and character development.
Bonaventura holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in sport management from Robert Morris University. He later earned a Master of Social Work from Tulane University, where he also served as a graduate assistant in the Academic Services Center for Student-Athletes.
He lives in the South Hills with his wife, Dr. Grace Drnach-Bonaventura, and their daughter, Carmela.
Superintendent Melissa Friez said Bonaventura has built a career centered on supporting the academic, personal and leadership growth of student-athletes. District officials welcomed him to the Mt. Lebanon “Blue Devil” community as he prepares to begin the role later this spring.
The Mt. Lebanon School District has named Daniel Bonaventura as its new athletic director for grades 7–12.
The district’s board of school directors approved Bonaventura’s appointment at its March 9 meeting. He will begin the role in May 2026, allowing time for a transition with current athletic director John Grogan, who is retiring after years of service to the district’s athletics programs.
Bonaventura brings extensive experience in athletic administration and student-athlete development at the collegiate level. He currently servesas associate athletics director for student-athlete development at Robert Morris University, where he oversees programs focused on leadership development, career readiness and community engagement for student-athletes. He also serves as the academic liaison for student-athletes and the sport administrator for the men’s basketball program.
Before joining Robert Morris, Bonaventura worked at the University of Pittsburgh as director of mentorship, where he led a program supporting more than 150 student-ath-letes and 200 mentors. While serving as a career consultant at Pitt, he helped graduating student-athletes achieve a 99 percent career outcomes rate by connecting them with career opportunities and professional development opportunities beyond athletics.
Earlier in his career, Bonaventura worked at Lamar University in Texas and with Spurs Sports & Entertainment, gaining additional experience in athletics operations and student-athlete support.
District officials said Bonaventura’s background aligns well with Mt. Lebanon’s strong tradition of athletics combined with academic achievement and character development.
Bonaventura holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in sport management from Robert Morris University. He later earned a Master of Social Work from Tulane University, where he also served as a graduate assistant in the Academic Services Center for Student-Athletes.
He lives in the South Hills with his wife, Dr. Grace Drnach-Bonaventura, and Daniel Bonaventura (Photo provided) their daughter, Carmela.
Superintendent Melissa Friez said Bonaventura has built a career centered on supporting the academic, personal and leadership growth of student-athletes. District officials welcomed him to the Mt. Lebanon “Blue Devil” community as he prepares to begin the role later this spring.
