In this second installment of our AD series with Jonathan Adams, we dive into the role of an Athletic Director as a leader of coaches. Jonathan shares how the challenges of Covid became a surprising blessing, giving his department the opportunity to take a deep dive into building a sustainable culture rooted in core values, a clear mission, and a compelling vision.

He also breaks down his interview process, emphasizing that hiring isn’t just about resumes and experience—it’s about building intentional relationships and finding the right cultural fit.

Get ready for an insightful conversation on how to empower coaches, strengthen leadership, and create a thriving athletic department.

In this episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Jonathan Adams, Athletic Director at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. A former collegiate baseball umpire, Jonathan took an uncommon path back to his alma mater — one that shaped his unique perspective on leadership and athletic administration.

He shares why effective leadership begins with modeling the standards you expect and reminds us that culture is defined not by what you say, but by what you allow. Jonathan explains why head coaches in his department are called program directors — leaders responsible for the full development of their sport, from youth to varsity. At the heart of Westminster’s approach is the Earn Everything mentality, a mindset that demands accountability, resilience, and consistency from coaches, athletes, and parents alike.

Jonathan also outlines the Wildcats’ culture, vision, and purpose statement while highlighting the qualities every athletic director should pursue: clarity, accountability, humility, and the discipline to surround yourself with great people.

This is a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and building athletic programs that last.

In this episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Michelle York, Athletic Director at St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, Tennessee, to talk about the purpose behind athletic administration. Michelle shares why stepping into this field is a choice rooted in passion — and why her favorite part of the job is working with parents to connect them with the athletic department, build trust, and align around a shared mission and vision.

She explains the role of a “Chief Reminding Officer” in keeping the “why” front and center, and offers valuable advice for aspiring athletic directors: surround yourself with great people, and never lead without a mentor. Whether you’re an administrator, coach, or leader in any field, Michelle’s insights will challenge and inspire you to lead with clarity, connection, and purpose.

Stay tuned for this insightful episode, brought to you by Ballfrog! Visit them at www.ballfrog.com and request a free demo from John Craig at 615-578-0547 or email him at [email protected]

In today’s episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Brad Cox, the Athletic Director at West Point High School in West Point, Mississippi. We dive into the tremendous success the Green Wave have had in football and explore how Brad measures success across the entire athletic department.

Brad’s journey from basketball coach to principal, and now athletic director, provides a unique perspective on leadership and building a winning culture.

Stay tuned for this insightful episode, brought to you by Ballfrog! Visit them at www.ballfrog.com and request a free demo from John Craig at 615-578-0547.

Links to the genius marketing from Brad on rising money for the championship football rings.

Jail or Bail Fundraiser

https://www.facebook.com/61559499851096/videos/952645850413930

https://www.facebook.com/61559499851096/videos/9378129278967669

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of coaches in today’s sports landscape and the growing need for a deeper commitment to athletes’ mental well-being and psychological health. Coaching is no longer just about drills, strategy, and physical performance—it’s about understanding the whole person.

We discuss why it’s critical for coaches to move beyond outdated, dehumanizing methods that overlook the complex, vulnerable humans working in front of them. Athletes rely on their coaches not only for guidance toward excellence in sport but also for emotional support, empathy, psychological safety, and mentorship.

The best coaches know how to blend physical training with mental resiliency, helping athletes perform at their highest level while also caring for their emotional and psychological needs. In this episode, we talk about the essential tools and mindset coaches need to support the whole athlete—not just the competitor on game day.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on what it means to truly coach the person, not just the player.

Because not every group is really a team.

Welcome to Culture Classroom, the podcast for coaches and leaders who want to build real, connected, high-performing teams. We talk about what actually makes a team work—shared leadership, accountability, flexible roles, and common goals—without the fluff.

Think of it like this: geese flying in that classic “V” formation or in the hockey movie: The Mighty Ducks their flying V formation to score the winning goal in hockey - know how to work together to go farther. Your team can too.

Tune in for stories, strategies, and down-to-earth advice you can use right away—whether you’re leading on the field, in the locker room, or anywhere you want to build a stronger culture.

Is there a moment that instantly takes you back to your 10- or 12-year-old self? In this episode, we rewind to 1991 and 1992—two unforgettable years in baseball history—with the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves taking center stage in back-to-back World Series. But this isn't just about baseball.

It’s about moments that matter—those flashes of time that stick with us for a lifetime. Whether it was staying up past bedtime to watch extra innings, or hearing the roar of the crowd through the TV, these experiences shaped who we are.

We reflect not just on the past, but also on the present:

Are we creating those kinds of moments today?

For our kids, our coworkers, our friends—every interaction is a chance to build lasting impact.

Step into the nostalgia, but don’t stop there—let’s talk about making moments that matter now.

Season 14, Episode 1: The Art of Winning by John Weaver & John Torrey

In this episode, we dive into the concept of success and why time is the key ingredient in achieving it. We explore the idea that true success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about the time you invest in your craft, relationships, and personal growth.

We look at the three S's (Survival, Success, and Significance)

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, student, or professional, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you measure success. It’s not about overnight achievements—it’s about the hours, days, and years of effort that build greatness.

Tune in as we break down why T-I-M-E is the ultimate secret to success.

In this episode we discuss we explore the powerful concept of "Surrender the Outcome." Many athletes, coaches, and competitors focus so much on results that they lose sight of the journey. But true success comes from preparation, effort, and trusting the process—without being consumed by the end result.

We discuss how embracing this mindset can free athletes from unnecessary pressure, allowing them to perform at their best. Through stories of perseverance, faith, and resilience, we highlight how letting go of control over outcomes can lead to breakthroughs on and off the field.

Join us as we unpack what it means to fully commit, give your best effort, and trust that whatever happens is part of a greater plan. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan, this episode is packed with insights that can help you shift your perspective and find peace in the process.

Ballfrog was built by high school parents and sports fanatics.

Our goal has never changed: empower athletic departments, parents, students, and the local community to stay connected and grow together. Visit them at www.ballfrog.com and request a demo.