Texas HS Athletic Directors Association: Director's Cut

In this Director’s Cut episode, Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Executive Director Joe Martin shares how the organization continues to expand its mission of “helping coaches help kids” through collaboration, advocacy, and innovative programming designed to support coaches and student-athletes across Texas. Drawing from the THSCA’s long-standing history and his experience leading the...

The 2026 THSADA State Conference was a showcase of leadership, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together athletic administrators from across our state for the largest conference in THSADA history. In this special Director’s Cut episode, we take a look back at the conversations, insights, and ideas that made this year’s event such a valuable experience for attendees. This conference recap br...

In this Director’s Cut episode, THSADA Assistant Executive Director Jody Hormann shares how the association continues to evolve to better serve athletic administrators across Texas through innovative programming, member-driven initiatives, and a renewed focus on promoting education-based athletics. Drawing from 12 years of experience as an Athletic Director, Hormann offers insight into the collabo...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Stephen Mackey of 2Words shares the mindset, discipline, and mission behind his work impacting coaches and student-athletes across Texas and the nation. Grounded in the belief that athletics is a powerful vehicle for life transformation, Mackey has built his philosophy around developing championship character, equipping coaches with purpo...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Jennifer Frazier of McKinney ISD reflects on her unique path into athletic administration and how mentorship, intentional leadership, and innovation continue to shape her approach. Grounded in the influence of leaders and mentors, Jennifer has built her philosophy around developing others, fostering strong relationships, and creating envi...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Lynn Pool reflects on a decorated career in education-based athletics as a student-athlete, national championship coach, and athletic administrator. Grounded in loyalty, relationships, and a commitment to building something that lasts, Pool’s journey spans decades of impact, from championship courts to district-wide leadership. Influenced...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Stan Lang reflects on a remarkable 40-year career in education-based athletics, culminating as the District Athletic Director for Northside ISD in San Antonio. Rooted in servant leadership, Stan built his legacy by developing coaches, shaping culture, and using athletics as a platform to impact lives far beyond the game. From his early li...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series , Leslie Slovak reflects on a remarkable 30-year career in Richardson ISD and the leadership lessons that shaped her journey from coach to Athletic Director. Known for putting people first, Leslie built her career around developing coaches, empowering student-athletes, and creating programs that made a lasting impact on her community. In this epis...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut, presented by LED Partners , we recap the 2026 Spring Sponsor Showcase and highlight seven key takeaways that are shaping the future of education-based athletics in Texas. This episode captures the energy, insight, and collaboration that defined the event, bringing together Athletic Directors and corporate partners committed to strengthening programs across the state....

In this THSADA Director’s Cut , Andre' Walker , Senior Executive Director of Athletics and UIL Activities - Houston ISD and THSADA President, shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his journey into athletic leadership. Andre reflects on the pivotal moments that set his career in motion — from being challenged by a principal to pursue leadership before he felt ready, to gaining hands-o...

2025 was a landmark year for the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association – a year defined by growth, innovation, and impact. In this special Director’s Cut episode, we take a powerful look back at the moments, voices, and milestones that made this year one for the record books. From record-setting attendance at major events like the State Conference, Fall Forum, and Spring Sponsor Showcas...

Go back to the 2025 State Conference with a panel of Texas athletic directors who led their programs to state championships in 2025. In this special Director’s Cut episode these leaders share what it takes to build a winning culture, support student-athletes, and lead with purpose at the highest level of competition. Sponsored by Nevco Sports — delivering game-day excellence through industry-leadi...

In this THSADA Director’s Cut we feature Dr. Leonard Merrell, a longtime Texas public school superintendent, Senior Consultant with the Center for Effective Schools, and member of the THSADA Superintendent TAAC Advisory Committee.  In our conversation Leonard shares timeless insights on leadership, mentorship, and navigating change in today’s evolving school and athletic environments. Through deca...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut powered by KALWALL we sit down with Rodney Chant, Executive Director of Athletics for San Angelo ISD and a THSADA Hall of Honor inductee, to explore the leadership lessons learned across districts big and small. Rodney reflects on his journey from multi-high school districts like Fort Bend and Pasadena to the tight-knit community of San Angelo, where re...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut , we take you inside the 2025 Fall Forum, hosted at Northside ISD, where athletic leaders from across Texas gathered for two days of connection, reflection, and professional growth. From an energizing kickoff message by Dr. Charles Breithaupt to a packed slate of workshop sessions, this year’s Forum tackled the most pressing topics facing athletic admin...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut , we sit down with Mike Buddie , Director of Athletics at TCU and former Major League Baseball pitcher. From his playing days in the Yankees organization to leadership roles at Furman and Army West Point, Buddie brings a seasoned, real-world perspective to the challenges facing athletic administrators today. He shares how his leadership philosophy was s...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Trev Alberts, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University and former Butkus Award-winning linebacker. From his time as an All-American player at Nebraska, to his years as a national broadcaster, to now leading one of the most visible programs in college sports, Alberts brings a full-circle perspective to the challenges facing coa...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut , we sit down with Richard Kilgore , Superintendent of Bruceville-Eddy ISD and the 2025 THSADA Superintendent of the Year. With 38 years in education — 19 of those as superintendent — Kilgore shares what superintendents are really looking for when they hire an athletic director. From balancing flexibility and firmness, to understanding why integrity is...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Coach Mike Bass, a longtime Texas athletic director known for building trust, relationships, and community-centered programs that last. Coach Bass shares his blueprint for success, covering everything from: Leading large-scale facility projects with lasting impact Building strong partnerships with architects and stakeholders Winning co...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Dr. Charles Breithaupt, former Executive Director of the UIL and one of the most influential voices in Texas high school athletics. From humble beginnings in Buna, Texas, to leading a team that managed over a million UIL contests a year, Dr. Breithaupt shares lessons from a lifetime of servant leadership and conflict resolution in one...

Welcome to a special edition of THSADA Director’s Cut, recapping the largest State Conference in association history! In this episode, we dig into the real conversations, leadership lessons, and powerful moments that made this year’s event unforgettable. You’ll hear from voices across the state — including insights from TAAC certification sessions, the College AD Panel, and exclusive interviews at...

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut – Hall of Honor Series presented by GigaTera Lighting , we sit down with Brenda Marshall , a 2025 Hall of Honor inductee and lifelong leader at Corpus Christi ISD . With nearly four decades of service, Brenda’s story is a powerful reflection on breaking barriers , mentoring the next generation , and earning respect in a space where women were once sidel...

In Episode 2 of the THSADA Director’s Cut – Hall of Honor Series , we sit down with Todd Vesely, a 2025 THSADA Hall of Honor inductee whose career spans from humble beginnings as a gymnastics coach in Odessa to leading one of the largest athletic programs in Texas at Fort Worth ISD. Powered live by GoVision at the 2025 Spring Sponsor Showcase, this episode offers more than a look back — it’s an ho...

In this special Hall of Honor Series episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut , we sit down with Ray Zepeda , UIL’s Director of Athletics and a 2025 inductee into the THSADA Hall of Honor . From humble beginnings as a Houston-area coach to leading statewide initiatives that impact thousands, Ray shares powerful reflections on the role of mentorship, the strength of community, and the passion that’s fu...