District Names Brad LaPlante as New Athletic Director & Football Coach
Hutto ISD has named Brad LaPlante as its new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. LaPlante has served as Hutto’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the past four years under Coach Steve Van Meter, who is retiring after five years in Hutto and 35 years overall as a high school football coach.
“We are fortunate to have Mr. LaPlante’s caliber of talent and leadership as a current member of the Hutto ISD athletic staff. Hippo Nation athletics will continue to set records and flourish with him at the helm,” said Superintendent Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas. “He received overwhelming support from the interview committee comprised of parents, community members, athletic coaches, and district leadership. I have the utmost confidence in Mr. LaPlante's vision for the district's athletic program.”
Prior to joining Van Meter’s staff, LaPlante coached at both the junior college and high school levels. His stops before Hutto include eleven years coaching at Rochester Community and Technical College in his home state of Minnesota, seven of which were head football coach. He also served one year as head coach at Northwest Mississippi Community College, a year at New Caney High School, and two years as coach in Alvin ISD.
LaPlante earned his Bachelor of Education degree from Winona State University in 2001 and a Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota in 2004.
“Coming to Hutto in 2014 was a blessing for our family,” said LaPlante. “Working for a legend and friend like Coach Van Meter, along with the staff he assembled, was everything it was advertised to be. I can’t wait to work with Hutto ISD administration, staff and students and to serve Hippo Nation as athletic director and head football coach.”
LaPlante has been married 12 years to his wife, Christie, who is a special education teacher in Hutto ISD. The LaPlantes have two sons, Carson and Cashton, who attend school in Hutto ISD.
“Hutto ISD is in great hands with Brad LaPlante as the next athletic director and football coach,” said Van Meter. “He is one of the best coaches I’ve had in 35 years. Brad’s organizational skills and attention to detail is exactly what the program at Hutto needs. He will be visible and involved in the Hutto community and will represent Hippo Nation very well. His knowledge of the game and his compassion for kids has been a big part of who Brad is in his four years in Hutto, and I know he will take that to another level.”
Hutto will begin spring football practice Monday, April 16. The 2017 Hippos went 11-2 and lost in the Regional Semi-Finals.
Press Release - Brad LaPlante