Texas HS Athletic Directors Association: Director's Cut

Texas High School Athletic Directors Association

Welcome to The Texas High School Athletic Director's Cut, the official podcast of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. Each episode features candid conversations with the state’s top athletic administrators, spotlighting leadership lessons, program innovation, and what’s next in Texas high school sports. Brought to you by THSADA.

  1. 20h ago

    How to Set High Standards Without Being a Jerk

    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 staffHow athletic leaders can establish clear expectations from the interview process through day-to-day operationsThe four core pillars of communication, organization, relationships, and expectations that guide accountability within Harlingen CISDThe association’s new middle school membership initiative, which provides districts with an affordable way to introduce middle school coaches to THSADAWhy exposing middle school coaches to professional development, resources, and networking can help create a “next man up” pipeline for future athletic coordinators and directorsWhy staying informed about rule changes and actively engaging in the profession is essential to protecting the strength of Texas interscholastic athleticsThe importance of developing leadership capacity now to ensure the continued success of athletic programs across the stateThe 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.

    How to Set High Standards Without Being a Jerk

  2. Aug 27

    Lisa Langston's Strategy on Developing the Adults Who Lead Your Athletes

    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 actionThe role of a leader in helping others process challenges through active listening and thoughtful questionsHow intentional mentorship and identifying aspiring leaders can help build capacity across a large school districtWhy annual reflection and setting personal professional goals are important for continued growthThe importance of aligning an athletic department’s goals and vision with the broader mission established by district leadershipHow athletic leaders can maintain autonomy and pursue innovation while still supporting the goals of their executive leadershipThe importance of protecting Texas’ strong interscholastic athletics model and continuing to invest in long-term leadership and capacity developmentThe 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.

    Lisa Langston's Strategy on Developing the Adults Who Lead Your Athletes

  3. Aug 12

    What’s Next for Texas Athletics? Inside the UIL Leadership Forging our Future

    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 organizationsThe role of the UIL Legislative Council in establishing the rules that govern Texas interscholastic athleticsHow viewing problems as challenges can help administrators identify areas of control and develop effective solutionsWhy maintaining perspective matters when challenges don’t reflect the broader success of Texas athleticsThe differences between virtual school and traditional homeschool students and the importance of asking the right questions during the onboarding processThe challenges presented by emerging sports academies and the need to maintain competitive equity across Texas athleticsThe 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.

    What’s Next for Texas Athletics? Inside the UIL Leadership Forging our Future

  4. Jul 20

    A Superintendent's Advice on Building a Career, Growing Impact, and Retaining Top Talent

    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 administratorsHow leaders can create growth opportunities for talented staff while balancing retention and career advancement conversationsThe importance of superintendent involvement in athletics How coaches often become some of the most influential mentors in a student’s lifeWhat separates impactful coaches from those simply filling a positionWhy competitive compensation, data-driven decision making, and strong support systems are essential for attracting and retaining high-quality coaching staffThe value of partnership between superintendents and athletic directorsHow facility improvements, community support, and expanded athletic opportunities can increase participation, strengthen school pride, and positively impact student outcomesThe 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.

    A Superintendent's Advice on Building a Career, Growing Impact, and Retaining Top Talent

  5. Jul 8

    The Future of Texas High School Sports: How THSCA Is Leading the Way

    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 studentsThe organization’s growth in representing all sports and the increased involvement of female coaches across the associationThe importance of collaboration between THSCA and THSADA through initiatives like the Texas Way and Educate Excel PlayHow the Coaches Leadership Tour is bringing professional development and leadership opportunities directly to coaches across eight regions of TexasTHSCA’s role in monitoring legislative issues impacting education-based athletics, including school funding, NIL, transfers, and UIL policiesWhat attendees can expect from the 2026 THSCA Coaching School and Convention, one of the largest gatherings in high school athleticsThese 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 Future of Texas High School Sports: How THSCA Is Leading the Way

  6. Jun 25

    2026 State Conference Special

    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.

  7. May 21

    Key THSADA Initiatives and State Conference Preview

    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 campaignHow collaboration between statewide organizations is helping tell a stronger story about public school athletics and student opportunitiesWhy member feedback plays a critical role in shaping THSADA programming, professional development, and conference experiencesWhat attendees can expect at the 2026 THSADA State ConferenceThese 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.

  8. May 7

    Turning Belief Into Impact: How One Message Is Reaching Athletes Across the Country

    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 purpose-driven tools, and helping programs create lasting cultural impact. Whether through The Texas Way or his national platform, his message remains consistent: the work is hard, but it matters because kids are worth it. In this episode, he discusses: What it takes to build discipline and develop your voice through consistent, intentional practiceWhy enthusiastic belief from coaches is a catalyst for unlocking potential in student-athletesHow programs like The Texas Way are creating measurable cultural change across schools and communitiesWhy storytelling and community engagement are essential to sustaining and growing athletic programsThese insights offer valuable perspective for athletic administrators and coaches looking to lead with purpose, overcome challenges, and create environments that go beyond the game to shape who students become. 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.

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Welcome to The Texas High School Athletic Director's Cut, the official podcast of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. Each episode features candid conversations with the state’s top athletic administrators, spotlighting leadership lessons, program innovation, and what’s next in Texas high school sports. Brought to you by THSADA.

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