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 shaped by working under a four-star general, why understanding the difference between what’s critical and what’s urgent is essential, and how he intentionally balances work and family in a 24/7 profession.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a veteran AD navigating a new era of expectations, this conversation offers practical insight on culture, communication, and keeping the main thing the main thing.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, QHF Sports, a Texas-based leader in sports floor maintenance and installation. From repairs and refinishing to permanent and portable basketball and volleyball courts, QHF helps schools deliver safe, professional-grade playing surfaces across the state. Learn more at qhfsports.com.

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 coaches and athletic leaders today.

He opens up about the emotional toll of the current NIL climate, the cultural cost of constant instability, and how to hire and support coaches who are truly in it for the right reasons.

Whether you're leading at the high school level or managing the pressures of a large district or university, this conversation is a powerful reminder that integrity, clarity, and mission alignment still matter - especially in times of chaos.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, PBK Architects, a proud partner of Texas school districts and a national leader in designing future-ready athletic and academic facilities.

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 evaluated long before the interview, to using active listening as a leadership superpower, Kilgore offers practical, real-world insights for athletic administrators at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re preparing for your first AD interview or refining your leadership approach, this conversation delivers tools, perspective, and wisdom you can put into action right away.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor Whataburger a proud supporter of the THSADA.

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 community support before bond elections
• Revitalizing official recruitment through statewide collaboration
• Staying a lifelong learner through peer-led professional development

He also reflects on the power of THSADA Region meetings—why showing up, sharing ideas, and connecting with fellow ADs can lead to better decisions and stronger leadership across the state.

Whether you're a new AD or a seasoned leader, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world strategies you can apply in your own district.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Spectrum by Watchfire — digital display solutions that transform game-day and community engagement.

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 of the largest school systems in the country.

He opens up about the unseen responsibilities of athletic directors, how great leaders build trust before they ever hold a title, and why every game—and every parent—matters.

Topics covered in this episode include: Navigating conflict before it reaches the field, Earning influence when you don’t have authority, Building lasting relationships across districts, and What it really takes to protect and grow school culture.

Whether you're managing a 1A program or a 6A powerhouse, this conversation offers a masterclass in leadership, humility, and the long game.

Presented by PracticePlan.io — the zero-cost online platform that streamlines and automates your facility scheduling and rental process. Save time. Generate revenue. Schedule smarter.

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 the GoVision Director’s Cut Stage.

Featured Topics:

• Why “telling the story that matters” is critical for your athletic program
• How to prioritize what’s urgent vs. critical as an AD
• Developing the “it factor” that defines your leadership
• Why rehearsing your emergency action plans matters more than ever
• And so much more from leaders shaping Texas athletics

Special thanks to Musco Sports Lighting, a proud sponsor of the TAAC platform and long-time supporter of THSADA, for making this episode possible.

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 sidelined. She shares her early experiences in a male-dominated field, the creative ways she built programs from the ground up, and why showing up — prepared, informed, and authentic — has always been her leadership superpower.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Resilient leadership in a changing industry
• Mentorship, legacy, and building future ADs
• What’s changed for women in athletics — and what still needs work
• Insight from the 2025 Spring Sponsor Showcase

🎧 Whether you're an aspiring leader or seasoned AD, this episode is packed with real wisdom from someone who’s seen it all and still shows up with purpose.

Presented by GigaTera Lighting — innovators in durable, non-spill LED solutions designed for high-performance sports environments.

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 honest, insightful conversation about leadership, legacy, and what comes next.

Todd reflects on:

• Overcoming early doubt and defying expectations
• Building culture through influence, not authority
• The transferable skills coaches carry into life after retirement
• How artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of athletic administration

Whether you’re a veteran AD or just starting your leadership journey, this episode delivers real talk, real lessons, and a vision for where Texas high school athletics is headed.

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 fueled his journey for more than three decades.

We talk about:

• His path from the sideline to UIL leadership
• The launch and statewide impact of The Texas Way sportsmanship initiative
• Navigating legislative challenges in education-based athletics
• Balancing family, purpose, and a career of service

This episode is more than a celebration of a remarkable career — it’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and staying mission-driven in the face of change.

🎙️ Recorded live at the 2025 THSADA Spring Sponsor Showcase

 🎧 Presented by PracticePlan – the zero-cost platform transforming facility scheduling and rental revenue for Texas school districts.