Bulldog News

Mount Dora Christian Academy is excited to announce the hiring of Coach James Bayly as the school’s head softball coach. 

Bayly joins the MDCA team with 20 years of coaching experience. Prior to accepting the position at MDCA, Bayly served as the head softball coach at Lake Brantley High school for the past 10 seasons where he compiled a list of accomplishments including conference and district championships, coach of the year, and an overall 70% winning percentage. Coach Bayly is also very connected in the travel softball world.  MDCA’s Director of Athletics, Megan Ziegelhofer says, “Coach Bayly is an outstanding addition to our staff at MDCA! Our softball program has been very successful over the years and Coach Bayly has what it takes to elevate it to an even higher level. He will be an asset to the Mount Dora Christian family and a tremendous Christian influence on our female student-athletes.”

Bayly replaces former head coach, Josh Swearingen who moved back to his hometown in Jacksonville to be closer to his family. Swearingen compiled a 115-41 win-loss record during his 6 seasons at MDCA with 5 district championships, 4 regional championships, and 4 final four appearances. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the culture that MDCA manifests.  Due to my extensive coaching expertise, I know that I will be able to continue building on the legacy of faith, education, and service while expanding the softball program.”

Mount Dora Christian Academy has named Sara Hill Secondary Principal and Reid Hillin Secondary Assistant Principal. 

Sara Hill graduated from MDCA in 2004 with a passion for Christian education. She earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2009 and her master’s degree in Taxation in 2010, both from the University of Central Florida.  After working in accounting for three years, Sara felt God’s calling to education and completed her certification to become a teacher. 

She joined MDCA’s faculty in 2013 as a secondary teacher and coach. She earned her dual master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction from York College in 2018. Hill was appointed as MDCA’s Secondary Assistant Principal in 2018. She recently completed her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida.   

Head of School, Dr. Lori Hadley says, “Dr. Hill has been a part of the MDCA community her entire life. Her unique understanding of where the organization has been, the growth that has already occurred, and our goals for the future make her the perfect choice to lead our secondary school.”

About her new position, Hill says, “I am excited to take on the role of Secondary Principal at MDCA.  My goal as an administrator is to emulate Jesus’ example of servant leadership and to have a positive impact on others. The past school year was challenging, but we have an amazing opportunity this year to build our community up stronger than ever.”

New Secondary Assistant Principal, Reid Hillin was born and raised in Nashville, TN. He moved here last summer to work at MDCA. “It was a fantastic first year. The community here made us feel welcome from day 1, and we loved it.” Prior to arriving at MDCA, he worked at Lipscomb Academy and Ezell-Harding Christian School in Nashville. His experience is in the classroom and on the basketball court at both schools. Hillin has his Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees from Lipscomb University in Bible and Conflict Management.

About his new position, Hillin states, “I am thrilled for this new opportunity. Our teachers are remarkable at what they do. I cannot wait to help them educate, equip, and empower our students to live lives of purpose and love in the Kingdom of God. I can't believe I get to come to work and serve these teachers and students each day. It is a gift.”