UIAAA Connection

The podcast is making its second visit to Michigan. UIAAA Connection #296 – Kevin Guzzo, CMAA, Director of Athletics – St. Josephs H S – is now available. Kevin proudly shared his roots as a "Yooper," growing up in the small Upper Peninsula community of Bessemer, Michigan. After earning a mathematics degree from Western Michigan University, he built a career dedicated to educational athletics and leadership. Kevin emphasizes the importance of maintaining ahealthy work-life balance while reminding listeners that high school athletics never truly pauses during the summer months. He reflects on lessons learned from respected Michigan mentors and experiences gained at the recent conference in Tampa. His advice encouraged athletic directors to leave their desks, build genuine relationships with student-athletes, remember their purpose, and prioritize personal well-being because effective leadership begins with taking care of yourself.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Cache County in Utah. UIAAA Connection #295 – Weston Zabriskie, Director of Athletics – Ridgeline High School – is now available. Weston reflects on a career built through coaching, leadership, and continuous learning. Raised in Moroni, Utah, he starred as amulti-sport athlete before graduating from North Sanpete High School. While attending Snow College he served an LDS mission in Russia. Weston later married and continued his education at Utah State University while launching hiscoaching career. He spent 15 years as a head football coach at South Sevier and Cedar Valley before becoming AD at Ridgeline, now in his second year. Weston reminded listeners that Utah athletic directors have authority in coachingdecisions and encourage leaders to leave their egos behind, embrace proven ideas, and never avoid difficult conversations.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its sixth visit to New Jersey. UIAAA Connection #294– David Frazier, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Rutherford High School – is now available. David shares a lifetime of leadership, athletic excellence, and service toeducational athletics. Growing up in Rutherford, New Jersey, he returned to serve at his alma mater after competing in basketball and track. At Manhattan College, he established himself as one of the nation's premier triple jumpers, capturing multiple championship titles and earning consistent success in both the triple and long jump. With more than 25 years as an athletic director, David reflects on influential New Jersey leaders and his service on the NFHS Board of Directors from 2000–2024. His advice remains straightforward: listenfirst, communicate honestly, own your mistakes, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Tooele County in Utah. UIAAA Connection #293 – Bailey Moss, Assistant Director ofAthletics – Stansbury High School – is now available. Bailey reflects on a journey shaped by adaptability, service, and a passion for educational athletics. Born in Washington, she lived in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon before moving to Utah during eighth grade. A three-sport athlete in high school, Bailey later earned a degree in Earth Science from BYU–Idaho. As the mother of three children, she balances family life while working at the junior high and assisting the athletic director atthe high school, experiences that prepare her for greater leadership opportunities. Her advice encouraged aspiring athletic directors to trust their colleagues, seek guidance freely, and never hesitate to ask thoughtful questions.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its second visit to South Carolina. UIAAA Connection #292– Carlos Cave, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Beaufort County School District – is now available. Carlos shares the experiences and relationships thatshaped his career in educational athletics and leadership. After graduating from high school, he attended Georgia Southern University before returning to his alma mater to begin teaching and coaching. He soon accepted his firstathletic director position, launching a career dedicated to serving students and schools. Today, Carlos serves on the NIAAA Board of Directors and chairs LTC 608, which focuses on effective time management. He reflected on theinfluence of South Carolina legends John Carlisle, Jerry Linn, and Darryl Nance. His advice encourages athletic directors to become active in their state associations, pursue LTC courses, earn certification, and engage nationally.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Davis County in Utah. UIAAA Connection #291 – Brian Berrong, Director of Athletics – Layton High School – is now available. Brian shares a journey marked by diverse experiences, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to serving students. Growing up in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he competed in football and track before attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University,where he crossed paths with Rex and Rob Ryan. He later transfers to BYU–Hawaii to play rugby, served an LDS mission in southern Utah, and completed his education at Weber State University, earning degrees in history and political science while also playing football. After working in several high schools and earning a master's degree from Utah State University, Brian emphasizes two keys to success: finding an outstanding mentor and always focusing on servingstudents, parents, coaches, and the community.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its third visit to Illinois. UIAAA Connection #290 – Jen Doede, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Amos Alonzo Stagg H S – is now available. Jen shared how an unexpected setback became the foundation for a rewarding career in athletics. Growing up in Tinley Park, Illinois, she graduated from high school before attending North Central College, where she competed in volleyball. An ACL injury during her senior year redirected her path intocoaching, a change she now views as one of life's greatest opportunities. Jen encourages listeners to choose being a victor rather than a victim when facing adversity. She also advised athletic directors to invest time building relationships beyond their coaching staff, remain patient, and remember that meaningful progress does not need to happen during the first year.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Wasatch County. UIAAA Connection #289– Wade Discher, Director of Athletics – Wasatch High School – is now available. Wade reflects on a career built through service, relationships, and a lifelong loveof athletics. Growing up in Absaraka, North Dakota, he graduated from high school in 1989 before attending the University of Mary in Bismarck. As a young athlete, Wade participated in at least seven sports, experiences that fueledhis passion for educational athletics. Throughout his career, he has worked in schools with memorable nicknames, including the Wasps, Crows, and Brickmakers. He also discusses Wasatch High School's upcoming split with the opening of Deer Creek High School this fall. His advice: find an experienced mentor and intentionally create a positive culture by being the sunshine for everyone.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, ApplePodcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its third visit to South Dakota. UIAAA Connection #288 – Cory Aadland, CMAA, Director of Athleticsand Activities – Mitchell School District – is now available. Cory reflects on a career rooted in small-town values and shaped through meaningful leadership opportunities. Aftergraduating from a small South Dakota high school in 2000, he attended Minnesota State University Moorhead before gaining experience in the private sector and later serving as associate athletic director at Dakota Western University.Today, he leads athletics in Mitchell while serving on the NIAAA Board of Directors. Cory credited South Dakota legends Jim Dorman, Joey Stuwe, Bill Clements, and Steve Berseth for their influence. His advice centered ondeveloping effective organizational systems, embracing delegation, and seeking guidance from a trusted mentor.

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Northern Utah. UIAAA Connection #287 – Shanna Hales, Assistant Director of Athletics – Box Elder High School – is now available.Shanna grew up in Duchesne, Utah, where she competed as a four-sport athlete in volleyball, track, softball, and basketball. She later attended Southern Utah University, known as “The Coaching Factory,” and spent three years throwing thejavelin. During the podcast, Shanna shares thoughtful insights about failure, emphasizing that growth and learning often emerge from difficult moments. She also reflects on the powerful influence educators and coaches can have on evenone student’s life. Alongside professional responsibilities, she balances life as the mother of twins. Her advice encourages leaders to remember why they accepted the position, prioritize time with student-athletes, and intentionallyschedule vacations to maintain balance and renewal.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH

This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.