The Lasting Impact of Hyde School – Lessons I Still Teach Today

A Hyde School Alumni Reflection on Lasting Impact

This story comes from Hyde School alumnus Eric Taetsch, whose Hyde experience continues to shape the way he coaches, mentors, and leads hundreds of young athletes each year.

Hyde School Alumni Story

Eric Taetsch ’94 celebrating a tournament victory with two teams, carrying forward the Hyde School lessons of leadership, challenge, and community through coaching.

I wanted to send a note to share how sad I am that I will not be able to attend Hyde@60.

My son graduates from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse on June 6, and my teams have tournaments every weekend in June, so unfortunately the timing just did not line up.

That disappointment made me stop and reflect on just how much my time at Hyde School continues to mean to me.

My years at Hyde remain some of the best of my life. The teachers, coaches, and students were unlike anything you will find anywhere else. The lessons you learn about yourself, and about life, truly matter. If you trust the process, Hyde shapes you into the best version of yourself.

When I graduated in 1994, it took me some time to fully understand why I had been so successful and so happy at Hyde. But as life unfolded, I realized that the struggles, the challenges, and the expectations made me stronger.

Those experiences taught me something I still believe deeply today: you grow the most when you are uncomfortable and challenged.

Not surprisingly, I found my passion in sports.

Today, I coach approximately 500 athletes each year, and I often tell stories about Mr. Bragg, Mr. Burroughs, and Mr. Mac, and the tremendous impact they had on me. I talk with athletes about the principles Hyde instilled in me and how much those values matter as you move through life.

As my own son approaches graduation at a school very similar to Hyde, one grounded in community, giving back, and discovering your potential, I find myself especially grateful that he has had the opportunity to experience something similar.

Each year, around 30 players graduate from my program, and we celebrate their journeys with small “Hyde Graduation” ceremonies that honor both students and parents.

At one of my son’s ceremonies this week, the school president said something that immediately brought me back to Hyde and to the way I try to lead today:

“Love first, and then extraordinary things can happen.”

That is exactly what Hyde taught me.

It taught me that relationships matter. That challenge matters. That growth comes through discomfort. That leading with care can change lives.

I love Hyde School. It has done amazing things for so many of us, and I simply wanted to say thank you.

I will miss reconnecting with everyone at Hyde@60, but I know there will be a lot of joy, gratitude, and love on campus.

The Lasting Impact of a Hyde School Education

Hyde Voices shares authentic perspectives from Hyde School alumni, parents, and staff. Each story demonstrates how Hyde School’s focus on truth, growth, and character creates lasting change. Explore more Hyde School stories, share your own reflection, or learn more about the school itself at the Hyde School website.