Texas HS Athletic Directors Association: Director's Cut

Texas High School Athletic Directors Association
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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.

  1. 2D AGO

    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.

    19 min

  2. APR 23

    Proven Leadership Strategies: Mentorship, Honest Conversations & Growth with Jennifer Frazier - McKinney ISD

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Jennifer Frazier of McKinney ISD reflects on her unique path into athletic administration and how mentorship, intentional leadership, and innovation continue to shape her approach. Grounded in the influence of leaders and mentors, Jennifer has built her philosophy around developing others, fostering strong relationships, and creating environments where people are prepared before opportunity arrives. Whether inside her department or across the state, her focus remains the same: invest in people and lead with purpose. In this episode, she discusses: What it looks like to build leaders from within and create a culture of growthHow “little conversations” can strengthen relationships and prevent larger leadership breakdownsWhy listening, discernment, and timing are essential in today’s educational landscapeThese reflections offer valuable perspective for both aspiring and current athletic administrators looking to develop others, communicate effectively, and continue evolving as leaders. 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.

    18 min

  3. APR 9

    Hall of Honor Series: Lynn Pool on Family-First Culture, Mentorship & Building a Legacy

    In this THSADA Director’s Cut Hall of Honor Series episode, Lynn Pool reflects on a decorated career in education-based athletics as a student-athlete, national championship coach, and athletic administrator. Grounded in loyalty, relationships, and a commitment to building something that lasts, Pool’s journey spans decades of impact, from championship courts to district-wide leadership. Influenced by legendary coaches and shaped by real-world challenges, she has remained focused on developing people, supporting coaches, and strengthening programs from the inside out. In this episode, she discusses: What it means to build and sustain a program over timeWhy “coaching coaches” is essential to long-term successHow strong relationships and solution-based leadership drive progress, even with limited resourcesThese reflections offer valuable perspective for both aspiring and current athletic administrators looking to lead with consistency, care, and a long-term vision that outlasts any single season. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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About

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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