Texas HS Athletic Directors Association: Director's Cut

In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with Northeast ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics Jay Govan and Superintendent Anthony Jarrett as they share insights on navigating the changing landscape of public education, building community trust, and creating opportunities for students through athletics and innovative district initiatives.

Drawing from their leadership experiences at one of San Antonio’s largest school districts, Govan and Jarrett discuss the challenges facing public education, from declining enrollment and increased competition to budget constraints and evolving student needs. They also explore how districts can take a proactive approach to communicating their value, strengthening community relationships, and investing in the student experience.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Jay Govan navigated a major career transition and built a new athletic leadership team during a period of significant administrative turnover
• Why hiring for character, heart, and shared values is just as important as experience and technical skills
• How declining enrollment and increased competition from charter schools, private schools, and alternative learning models are changing the landscape of public education
• Why school districts must take a more proactive approach to marketing their strengths, engaging families, and shaping their public narrative
• How Northeast ISD is connecting families with educational opportunities through community initiatives and its RUDE advocacy program
• Why creating a distinctive student experience through hospitality, personal development, and extracurricular opportunities is essential to the future of public schools
• How athletic departments can explore corporate partnerships to generate revenue, strengthen local relationships, and enhance student programs
• The lasting value of high school athletics in developing relationships, encouraging academic achievement, and preparing students for future collaboration

The insights from this conversation provide a look at how school districts and athletic departments can adapt to a changing educational landscape while keeping students at the center of their decisions. Govan and Jarrett emphasize the importance of intentional leadership, meaningful community engagement, and a clear understanding of what makes public education unique. For athletic administrators and district leaders alike, investing in the student experience, building strong partnerships, and communicating their value can help position their programs for long-term success.

Special thanks to CourTex for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Through their support of athletic administrators and the programs they lead, CourTex helps create opportunities to connect, share ideas, and strengthen the athletic community.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we take you inside the 2026 THSADA Fall Forum in San Antonio, Texas, highlighting nine key takeaways from sessions and conversations focused on leadership, culture, emergency management, coach evaluation, school law, and the changing landscape of education.

From documentation and investigations to emergency action planning and UIL updates, this episode brings together insights from athletic administrators and education leaders on the challenges facing Texas athletics today. The episode also features conversations with THSADA presidents, Northeast ISD Superintendent Anthony Jarrett, and Executive Director Jaygo Van as they share their perspectives on leadership, culture, and the future of athletics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why athletic administrators need to protect the opportunities and traditions that make Texas athletics unique
• Why being present and following through on commitments are essential to building trust with coaches and staff
• How systems, clear expectations, and ongoing support can help leaders influence culture change at scale
• Why athletic evaluations should focus on intentional, measurable areas such as communication, compliance, coaching performance, professionalism, and leadership
• How athletic departments can build flexible emergency action plans that can be adapted across events and changing circumstances
• Why school districts are increasingly being challenged to adopt a business mindset and clearly communicate the value they provide to families
• What athletic administrators need to understand about reassignment, employment law, and the importance of having legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for personnel decisions
• Why leaders should focus their time and energy on the people they can influence while continuing to provide systems and support for long-term culture change

The conversations throughout this Director’s Cut provide a look at the evolving responsibilities of athletic administrators and the leadership required to navigate an increasingly complex educational landscape. From strengthening relationships and developing coaches to preparing for emergencies and responding to changes in school choice and employment law, the episode emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, preparation, and support.

Special thanks to HomeTown Ticketing for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. HomeTown is a longtime THSADA partner, providing ticketing, fundraising, and software solutions to high schools across Texas and the country.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with Dr. Chivonne Kiser, Athletic Director at Princeton ISD, as she shares insights on preparing for athletic leadership, taking initiative, building trust as a new administrator, and the importance of continuous professional development throughout a career.

Drawing from her own journey from head volleyball coach and assistant coordinator to athletic director, Dr. Kiser discusses how intentional preparation and involvement in THSADA helped prepare her for the next step in her career. 

In this episode, she discusses:

• How getting involved with THSADA early in her coaching career helped prepare her for a future role in athletic administration
• Why attending conferences and investing in professional development can create opportunities before they officially arise
• How taking the initiative to introduce herself at a conference helped lead to an assistant athletic director position
• Why new athletic directors should spend their first 30 to 45 days listening, learning, and assessing before making major changes
• The importance of respecting existing traditions, building relationships, and understanding the nuances of a school community when stepping into a new leadership role
• How the THSADA Fall Forum provides athletic administrators with an opportunity to make a “halftime adjustment” and stay prepared for a rapidly changing educational landscape
• Why aspiring athletic directors should prepare for their next opportunity well before a position becomes available

The insights from this conversation provide a look at how preparation, initiative, and a commitment to learning can shape an athletic leadership career. Dr. Kiser emphasizes that opportunities often come from the work done before the opportunity ever appears. For current and aspiring athletic directors alike, staying engaged in professional development and being intentional in every interaction can help prepare them to lead when the opportunity arrives.

Special thanks to Watchfire for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Through their continued support of athletics and the professionals who lead it, Watchfire creates opportunities to connect, learn, and strengthen our athletic community.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with Rob Davies, Athletic Director at Harlingen CISD and incoming president of the THSADA, as he shares insights on building strong athletic programs, developing staff and culture, growing association membership, and preparing the next generation of athletic leaders across Texas.

Drawing from his experience, Davies discusses the importance of setting clear expectations, establishing a strong organizational culture, and creating opportunities for coaches and future leaders to grow. He emphasizes that successful athletic programs are built on consistent standards, strong relationships, effective communication, and a commitment to continually raising expectations.

In this episode, he discusses:

• Why a strong connection to the local community can create a deeper sense of commitment among coaches and staff
• How athletic leaders can establish clear expectations from the interview process through day-to-day operations
• The four core pillars of communication, organization, relationships, and expectations that guide accountability within Harlingen CISD
• The association’s new middle school membership initiative, which provides districts with an affordable way to introduce middle school coaches to THSADA
• Why exposing middle school coaches to professional development, resources, and networking can help create a “next man up” pipeline for future athletic coordinators and directors
• Why staying informed about rule changes and actively engaging in the profession is essential to protecting the strength of Texas interscholastic athletics
• The importance of developing leadership capacity now to ensure the continued success of athletic programs across the state

The insights from this conversation provide a look at what it takes to build a strong athletic culture while preparing the next generation of leaders. Davies stresses that effective leadership starts with clear expectations and accountability, but it also requires investing in people and creating opportunities for them to grow. As THSADA continues to expand its reach, that commitment to developing future leaders will remain an important part of sustaining the strength of Texas interscholastic athletics.

Special thanks to Varsity Brands and BSN Sports for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Through their continued support of athletics and our coaches, administrators, and student-athletes, they both play a critical role in strengthening the athletic community.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with Fort Worth ISD Director of Athletics Dr. Lisa Langston as she shares insights from 36 years in education, her experience in professional development, and her perspective on leadership, reflection, mentorship, and the future of Texas interscholastic athletics.

Drawing from her career in Fort Worth ISD, her time playing professional basketball in Germany, and her service as past president of the NIAAA, Langston discusses the importance of intentional growth and helping others develop into effective leaders. Throughout her career, Langston has emphasized the value of understanding how adults learn, creating opportunities for reflection, and building leadership capacity throughout an organization. 

In this episode, she discusses:

• Why adult learners are most effective when they have ownership over what they learn 
• Why reflection is an essential part of professional development and how leaders can turn new knowledge into meaningful action
• The role of a leader in helping others process challenges through active listening and thoughtful questions
• How intentional mentorship and identifying aspiring leaders can help build capacity across a large school district
• Why annual reflection and setting personal professional goals are important for continued growth
• The importance of aligning an athletic department’s goals and vision with the broader mission established by district leadership
• How athletic leaders can maintain autonomy and pursue innovation while still supporting the goals of their executive leadership
• The importance of protecting Texas’ strong interscholastic athletics model and continuing to invest in long-term leadership and capacity development

The insights from this conversation provide a thoughtful look at leadership development and the responsibility athletic administrators have to continually grow while helping others do the same. Langston emphasizes that professional development is more than attending a conference or gaining new information. It requires reflection, intentionality, and application. 

Special thanks to Certor Sports for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Through their commitment to developing high-quality sports equipment and protective gear, Certor Sports supports both athletes and the coaches/administrators who help them reach their potential.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with UIL Director of Athletics Ray Zepeda as he approaches the end of his third year in the role, sharing insights on leadership, student safety, eligibility, competitive equity, and the future of interscholastic athletics in Texas. Drawing from more than 20 years as a football coach and his experience leading the UIL, Zepeda discusses the importance of building relationships, navigating change, and keeping the long-term interests of Texas’ 1 million student-athletes at the center of every decision.

Throughout his tenure, Zepeda has prioritized strengthening collaboration between the UIL, schools, and professional coaching associations while modernizing processes and helping Texas athletics adapt to an evolving educational landscape. 

In this episode, he discusses:

• How relationship-building and collaboration can strengthen trust between the UIL, schools, and coaching organizations
• The role of the UIL Legislative Council in establishing the rules that govern Texas interscholastic athletics
• How viewing problems as challenges can help administrators identify areas of control and develop effective solutions
• Why maintaining perspective matters when challenges don’t reflect the broader success of Texas athletics
• The differences between virtual school and traditional homeschool students and the importance of asking the right questions during the onboarding process
• The challenges presented by emerging sports academies and the need to maintain competitive equity across Texas athletics

The insights from this conversation provide a thoughtful look at the challenges and opportunities facing Texas interscholastic athletics, emphasizing the importance of perspective, consistency, collaboration, and keeping students at the center of every decision. As the UIL continues to navigate a changing educational landscape, Zepeda highlights the strength of a system built around highly trained students, prepared coaches, dedicated administrators, strong facilities, and a deep connection to communities across the state.

Special thanks to Snap! Mobile for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Snap! Mobile provides technology solutions designed specifically to help schools and athletic programs simplify fundraising, streamline communication, and build stronger connections with their communities while giving coaches and administrators more tools to support their programs.

In this Director’s Cut episode, Corpus Christi ISD Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez shares lessons from more than three decades in education, offering valuable insights on leadership development, coach retention, superintendent-athletic director partnerships, and the critical role athletics plays in shaping students and communities. Drawing from his journey from teacher-coach to one of Texas education’s most respected superintendents, Dr. Hernandez discusses the importance of patience, mentorship, and investing in people to create lasting success.

Having served as a teacher, coach, principal, deputy superintendent, and superintendent, Hernandez provides a unique perspective on how athletic programs contribute to student growth, community engagement, and school district success. 

In this episode, he discusses:

• Why patience, stability, and mentorship are essential for coaches and administrators
• How leaders can create growth opportunities for talented staff while balancing retention and career advancement conversations
• The importance of superintendent involvement in athletics 
• How coaches often become some of the most influential mentors in a student’s life
• What separates impactful coaches from those simply filling a position
• Why competitive compensation, data-driven decision making, and strong support systems are essential for attracting and retaining high-quality coaching staff
• The value of partnership between superintendents and athletic directors
• How facility improvements, community support, and expanded athletic opportunities can increase participation, strengthen school pride, and positively impact student outcomes

The insights from this conversation provide a thoughtful look at leadership in education and athletics, highlighting how strong partnerships, intentional investment, and a commitment to student development can create lasting impact across an entire school district.

Special thanks to Nevco Sports for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. For decades, Nevco has helped schools create unforgettable game day experiences through innovative scoreboards, video displays, scoring solutions, and technology that brings communities together while enhancing athletic programs nationwide.

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 association through a period of significant growth, Martin discusses the organization’s evolution from a football-focused association founded in 1930 to a statewide resource representing coaches across all sports under the UIL umbrella. 

In this episode, he discusses:

• How THSCA’s mission continues to guide its efforts to identify and address challenges impacting coaches and students
• The organization’s growth in representing all sports and the increased involvement of female coaches across the association
• The importance of collaboration between THSCA and THSADA through initiatives like the Texas Way and Educate Excel Play
• How the Coaches Leadership Tour is bringing professional development and leadership opportunities directly to coaches across eight regions of Texas
• THSCA’s role in monitoring legislative issues impacting education-based athletics, including school funding, NIL, transfers, and UIL policies
• What attendees can expect from the 2026 THSCA Coaching School and Convention, one of the largest gatherings in high school athletics

These insights provide a closer look at how THSCA is strengthening its commitment to coaches, advocating for education-based athletics, and building a stronger future for Texas students and communities through leadership and collaboration.

Special thanks to Musco Lighting for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. As a world leader in LED sports lighting solutions, Musco Lighting continues to support athletic communities by providing innovative lighting systems to enhance sports and entertainment spaces.

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 brings together some of the most impactful moments captured throughout the event. You’ll hear from experienced athletic leaders as they discuss building sustainable budgets, creating stronger support systems for athletic trainers, and developing leadership cultures through initiatives like The Texas Way. Speakers also share valuable perspectives on communication, relationship-building, and navigating transitions into new leadership roles. The episode highlights real-world examples of innovation and problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and continuous learning in athletic administration.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Game One, and to the presenters, attendees, partners, and THSADA members who helped make this year’s conference a tremendous success! Be sure to explore the full conference video library now available online at thsada.com and continue learning from the outstanding sessions featured throughout the event. Here’s to building on the momentum and impact of another unforgettable State Conference.

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 collaborative efforts behind THSADA’s newest initiatives and the intentional work being done to provide meaningful resources for members at every stage of their career. 

In this episode, she discusses:

• The vision behind the Educate Excel Play campaign
• How collaboration between statewide organizations is helping tell a stronger story about public school athletics and student opportunities
• Why member feedback plays a critical role in shaping THSADA programming, professional development, and conference experiences
• What attendees can expect at the 2026 THSADA State Conference

These insights provide a closer look at how THSADA is investing in its membership while strengthening the future of athletic administration through education and shared leadership.

Special thanks to LED Partners for helping make this setup possible. Their mobile display solution was assembled in less than 90 minutes and helped bring this Director’s Cut conversation to life.