Eastside High School Named Donald Buie III Athletic Director
The school hired its former football star and graduate to oversee athletic operations starting in June 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
Eastside High School in Gainesville appointed alumnus Donald Buie III as its new athletic director in June 2026. Buie replaced former director Derek Gonsoulin to lead the school's sports programs.
Why it matters
The appointment seeks to provide mentorship for students through athletic programs by utilizing a leader with deep ties to the school culture. The athletic director is responsible for overseeing student eligibility, medical requirements, and facilities.
The athletic department is managing a current football season record of 1-4. The new director brings four years of experience as the school's defensive coordinator to the role.
The players
Donald Buie III
He is the newly appointed athletic director at Eastside High School and a former college football player.
Derek Gonsoulin
He is the former athletic director of Eastside High School who was replaced by Buie.
Eastside High School
It is a Gainesville-based secondary education institution that manages various student sports programs.
The details
Donald Buie III is a 2011 graduate of Eastside High School who previously worked as an accountant for Alachua County Public Schools. He brings experience from his collegiate playing career at Gardner-Webb University and his recent tenure as the school's football defensive coordinator.
Timeline
Buie played as a senior on the football team in 2010.
Buie graduated from Eastside High School in 2011.
Buie was hired as athletic director in June 2026.
This article was published on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The hire aligns with the Alachua County Public Schools administrative staffing protocols that prioritize internal institutional knowledge for leadership roles. This selection underscores a broader trend in school management to appoint figures with deep ties to the local community to oversee facility and program operations.
Student athletes can expect new oversight regarding medical requirements, including EKG protocols and physical check-ups. The administrative change also establishes a new point of contact for facility maintenance and athlete eligibility questions.
The takeaway
Buie brings a background in both finance and coaching to his new leadership role at his alma mater. Families should note that the athletic director now serves as the primary administrator for all student-athlete documentation and eligibility.
Further reading
For more on professional transitions in the region, visit the Gainesville People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wruf.
