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. MAR 26

    Hall of Honor Series: Stan Laing on Servant Leadership, Building Culture, and Developing Coaches at Scale

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Stan Lang reflects on a remarkable 40-year career in education-based athletics, culminating as the District Athletic Director for Northside ISD in San Antonio. Rooted in servant leadership, Stan built his legacy by developing coaches, shaping culture, and using athletics as a platform to impact lives far beyond the game. From his early life in inner-city Las Vegas to being mentored by coaches who changed his trajectory, Stan shares how those foundational experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and his commitment to paying it forward. In this episode, he discusses what it takes to build a culture that lasts, why leaders must focus on coaching adults before athletes, and how consistency, accountability, and care can transform entire programs over time. Stan also shares leadership insights on: • The importance of showing up every day and leading through adversity  • Building culture by investing in coaches first  • Coaching up your team and empowering others to lead  • Balancing accountability with encouragement and support  • Understanding that culture is built over years, not moments These reflections offer valuable perspective for both aspiring and current athletic administrators looking to lead with purpose and create lasting impact. 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.

    21 min

  2. MAR 12

    Hall of Honor Series: Leslie Slovak - Career Longevity, Effective Leadership Strategies, and Work-Life Balance

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series, Leslie Slovak reflects on a remarkable 30-year career in Richardson ISD and the leadership lessons that shaped her journey from coach to Athletic Director. Known for putting people first, Leslie built her career around developing coaches, empowering student-athletes, and creating programs that made a lasting impact on her community. In this episode, she shares what it meant to spend an entire career in one district, why relationships and trust mattered so much to her leadership, and how strong support from district leadership helped make that commitment possible. Leslie also speaks candidly about leadership and the growth that comes with experience, including the importance of surrounding yourself with strong people, listening before responding, and recognizing that great leaders don’t always have to provide immediate answers. Her reflections on patience, self-awareness, and learning to slow down offer valuable insight for both aspiring and current athletic administrators. 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.

    22 min

  3. FEB 26

    7 Takeaways from the 2026 Spring Sponsor Showcase

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut, presented by LED Partners, we recap the 2026 Spring Sponsor Showcase and highlight seven key takeaways that are shaping the future of education-based athletics in Texas. This episode captures the energy, insight, and collaboration that defined the event, bringing together Athletic Directors and corporate partners committed to strengthening programs across the state. Throughout the episode, featured clips explore: Building meaningful partnerships that extend beyond transactions Why service and responsiveness still matter most to Athletic Directors How innovation is helping schools operate more efficiently The continued emphasis on student-athlete safety New tools for storytelling and community engagement The importance of alignment with the Texas Way How strong sponsor relationships ultimately serve kids and communitiesThe 2026 Spring Sponsor Showcase reinforced that when sponsors and schools work together with shared purpose, the impact goes far beyond products — it strengthens campuses, communities, and public education.

    13 min

  4. FEB 5

    Pushed Into Purpose: Andre' Walker’s Path to Leadership

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut, Andre' Walker, Senior Executive Director of Athletics and UIL Activities - Houston ISD and THSADA President, shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his journey into athletic leadership. Andre reflects on the pivotal moments that set his career in motion — from being challenged by a principal to pursue leadership before he felt ready, to gaining hands-on administrative experience long before earning the title. He explains how preparation, mentorship, and consistency opened doors he wasn’t actively chasing. Throughout the episode, Andre' discusses: Learning the UIL rulebook early and why it matteredDoing the work of an administrator before holding the titleThe impact of mentors who saw potential before he didHow patience and excellence in your current role create opportunitiesHe also offers practical guidance for aspiring and current Athletic Directors, emphasizing the importance of staying committed to growth and professional development through Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. This episode is presented by RefReps, a proud THSADA partner providing a comprehensive sports officiating education curriculum across more than a dozen sports. Through standardized lessons, assessments, and interactive point-of-view video training, RefReps helps schools equip students with the knowledge and confidence to understand the rules, mechanics, and responsibilities of officiating before stepping onto the field, court, or mat. Whether you’re pursuing the role or already serving as an Athletic Director, this episode reinforces a simple truth: leadership is built through preparation, service, and consistency.

    5 min

  5. JAN 1

    THSADA Best of 2025 - A Year to Remember

    2025 was a landmark year for the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association – a year defined by growth, innovation, and impact. In this special Director’s Cut episode, we take a powerful look back at the moments, voices, and milestones that made this year one for the record books. From record-setting attendance at major events like the State Conference, Fall Forum, and Spring Sponsor Showcase, to new initiatives like the Texas Cup and Educate • Excel • Play, THSADA’s commitment to school-based athletics reached new heights. We also expanded our reach through JAM Satellite Sessions and leveraged impactful digital content to support ADs across the state like never before. This year-end highlight reel brings together some of the most compelling interviews, reflections, and leadership moments captured on video in 2025. You’ll hear from seasoned athletic directors, rising leaders, and expert voices who reflect on purpose, passion, and the lasting value of interscholastic athletics. Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Hellas Construction, and to all THSADA members, partners, and supporters who helped make 2025 such a meaningful success. Here's to building on that momentum in 2026.

    14 min

  6. 12/04/2025

    Voices of Victory: State Champions Panel Highlights

    Go back to the 2025 State Conference with a panel of Texas athletic directors who led their programs to state championships in 2025. In this special Director’s Cut episode these leaders share what it takes to build a winning culture, support student-athletes, and lead with purpose at the highest level of competition. Sponsored by Nevco Sports — delivering game-day excellence through industry-leading scoreboards, LED displays, and sports technology solutions.

    14 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    People, Purpose, and Progress: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Leonard Merrell

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut we feature Dr. Leonard Merrell, a longtime Texas public school superintendent, Senior Consultant with the Center for Effective Schools, and member of the THSADA Superintendent TAAC Advisory Committee.  In our conversation Leonard shares timeless insights on leadership, mentorship, and navigating change in today’s evolving school and athletic environments. Through decades of experience as a superintendent and community builder, Dr. Merrell reflects on what it takes to identify true leadership, the value of asking the right questions, and how personal growth and professional vision go hand in hand. With warmth, honesty, and wisdom, he reminds us that leadership isn't about knowing everything, it’s about knowing people, embracing change, and staying rooted in purpose. This Director’s Cut is proudly presented by GameStrat, a trusted sideline replay solution supporting coaches and athletic programs across the country — and a valued partner of THSADA. Whether you're an aspiring AD, a seasoned administrator, or someone passionate about servant leadership, this conversation is filled with meaningful takeaways for anyone shaping the future of education and athletics in Texas.

    18 min

  8. 10/23/2025

    From Big Districts to Small-Town Friday Nights: Rodney Chant’s AD Journey

    In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut powered by KALWALL we sit down with Rodney Chant, Executive Director of Athletics for San Angelo ISD and a THSADA Hall of Honor inductee, to explore the leadership lessons learned across districts big and small. Rodney reflects on his journey from multi-high school districts like Fort Bend and Pasadena to the tight-knit community of San Angelo, where relationships run deep and Friday night lights still shut down the town. This candid conversation covers: The transition from metro to rural athleticsAdvice for young coaches starting their careersHow to draw the line between leadership and friendshipThe 40+ item checklist he uses to set coaches up for successWhy all sports deserve equal support and visibilityWhether you're a new coach, a seasoned AD, or simply passionate about Texas high school athletics, this episode offers grounded insights from a leader who’s still doing the work—and doing it well. 👉 Watch now and hear why experience, empathy, and pacing yourself are keys to long-term success in athletic leadership.

    17 min
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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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