What pupils at Silverstream School know about Greg Hurley is that he is their new principal.
What they probably don't know about the 45-year-old is that he used to be a professional softball player in the United States.
He was the captain of the Otago men's softball team for more than a decade and, during a couple of the off-seasons, he played in the United States as a short stop for the Wisconsin All Stars. Somehow he managed to forge a career as a teacher at the same time.
He said he learnt a lot from softball that had carried over to other parts of his life - particularly teaching.
"It's taught me a lot about leadership and resilience.
"I've learnt how to get on with all sorts of personalities - people that come from different walks of life. It's helped me be a lot more open-minded about people's backgrounds.
"You meet all kinds in this sport, and you've got to come together to actually achieve something together.''
Mr Hurley had opportunities to continue playing at a high level in softball, but he decided not to in favour of "settling down'' and focusing on building his teaching career and having a family.
"I really miss it. But once I had a family, I didn't have as much time and my priority became my young children.''
Mr Hurley attributed his love of sport for his decision to become a teacher.
"I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I started intermediate. I was pretty young. It was a phys ed teacher that I aspired to be.
"I was a typical 12-year-old boy who was keen on football and rugby and cricket and softball. I looked up to the phys ed teacher and it looked like he had the dream job.
"So when I went to university, I majored in physical education and did a bachelor of education. I followed my passion.''
Mr Hurley took over the Silverstream School principal role from Elizabeth Cleverley on Monday last week.
His teaching career began in the mid-1990s at Balaclava School, and from there he was deputy principal at Opoho School for 10 years, before arriving at Silverstream School.
Mr Hurley said he was relishing the challenges of his new job.
While it was still too early to talk about his aspirations for Silverstream School, he said one of the things he hoped to share with the pupils was his passion for sport.
"There's a real buzz with the children already. We had a seven-a-side tournament on the Taieri last week and just seeing their eyes light up - it's amazing.
"They want to show what they can do in sport, and I hope to capitalise on that.
"It is my area of interest, and we've got to use those, just like teachers passionate about music or theatre would.''
