A New Chapter for Oakwood Athletics: Dave Clink Named Athletic Director

Oakwood School is proud to announce that Dave Clink has been appointed as the school's new Athletic Director. Coach Clink, who has served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball team, will officially succeed Kort Jensen on April 1, 2026.

Honoring the Architect: The Legacy of Kort Jensen
The transition comes as Kort Jensen prepares to embark on a new chapter. As announced to the school community during the recent Senior Night ceremony, Coach Jensen and his wife, Cherie, will be serving an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Laie, Hawaii, on O'ahu. Kort's impact on Oakwood is immeasurable. Often referred to as the "Architect of Oakwood Athletics," Kort transformed a fledgling program of just four basketball players in 2009 into a thriving department with championship-caliber teams across multiple sports, now a cornerstone of the Oakwood student experience. Currently, Oakwood has 50 coaches leading 35 competitive teams across 13 sports for students in grades 6-12 and averages 84% participation rate in afterschool athletics from students in Middle School and High School. In recognition of his visionary leadership, Oakwood recently dedicated the Coach Kort Jensen Bleachers in the Athletic Center, which now serve as a permanent tribute to the man who built the foundation of the program. While he will be physically located in Hawaii, Coach Kort is not stepping away entirely; he will continue to serve Oakwood Athletics in a part-time remote capacity, providing vital back-end support, managing scheduling, and assisting with department communications.

A Proven Leader: Introducing Dave Clink
Dave Clink is uniquely prepared to lead Oakwood into its next era. Having worked closely with Kort as Assistant Athletic Director for several years, Dave provides the continuity and "on-campus" leadership essential for a thriving program. With over 30 years of coaching and administrative experience, Coach Clink has already made a profound impact on the Oakwood community:

• On-Campus Leadership: As a full-time staff member, Dave provides daily mentorship and stability for student-athletes. 
• A Winning Culture Across All Levels: Under Coach Clink's leadership, Oakwood has seen a culture of excellence permeate every level of the boys high school basketball program. From the Freshman and JV teams to the Varsity squad, which reached the CCS semifinals this year, his teams have consistently competed at the highest level, further cementing Oakwood's reputation as the basketball powerhouse of the area. 
• Deep Local Roots: A veteran of the local sports scene since 1991, Dave has coached at Martin Murphy, Britton Middle School, and Live Oak High School, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and connections to Oakwood.

A Strong Foundation for the Future
This transition ensures that the "Oakwood model"—which balances elite athletics with high academic standards—remains in expert hands. By elevating an "on-campus" leader who already understands the intricacies of the school's mission, Oakwood is reinforcing its commitment to a premier athletic experience. With Dave Clink leading daily operations on campus and Kort Jensen providing strategic support from afar, the future of Oakwood Athletics has never looked brighter. "I am excited and grateful for this opportunity," said Coach Clink. "Working alongside Kort has been an incredible experience, and I am honored to lead this department forward. Oakwood is a special place, and our student-athletes deserve a program that matches the excellence of their efforts in the classroom. I look forward to building upon the incredible legacy Kort has established over the last nearly 20 years." Please join the Oakwood community in wishing Kort and Cherie Jensen "Aloha" on their new journey and congratulating Dave Clink on his new role as Athletic Director!