Leadership Lessons from the New & Aspiring Athletic Director Seminar
By Scott Garvis, Bound
In the fast-paced, pressure-cooker world of high school athletics, excellence isn’t measured solely by win–loss records—it’s forged in the crucible of leadership, culture, and resilience. The recent New & Aspiring Athletic Director Seminar offered an illuminating playbook for today’s athletic administrators, revealing how seasoned leaders are transforming their departments into thriving, dynamic organizations.
A Culture That’s Always in Motion
One resounding theme was the importance of a robust, evolving culture. Aaron Stecker reminded us that building a positive culture isn’t about resting on past achievements. “It’s not like you build something great and then sit back,” he observed. Instead, leaders must actively nurture a “continuity of culture” by keeping core personnel—veteran head coaches and dedicated assistants—whose long-term commitment creates stability and shared values. In this environment, every stakeholder knows what to expect, and the department becomes a well-oiled machine that continuously adapts and improves.
The Power of Clear Communication and Shared Values
Success starts at the top—with clear communication of vision, mission, and core values. The seminar stressed that athletic directors must articulate these fundamentals to every part of the organization. Whether through intensive retreats or regular meetings, the goal is to ensure that every coach, student-athlete, and parent understands the shared commitment. When everyone’s voice is heard, and core values are aligned with everyday practice, the result is an environment where relentless work ethic and team-first attitudes aren’t just buzzwords, but lived experiences.
Navigating the Challenges of the Game
Every athletic director knows that leadership comes with its own set of challenges. As Brian Petersen candidly explained, handling high emotions—from parents’ raw reactions after a tough loss to the pressures of managing difficult personalities—is par for the course. Rather than shy away from these issues, successful leaders meet them head-on with well-defined procedures and an intentional approach to building trust. Whether through an open-door policy that balances accessibility with accountability or through strategic delegation, the seminar’s experts underscored that a proactive, prepared mindset is essential for weathering the storm.
The Art of Delegation and Developing Future Leaders
Delegation emerged as a cornerstone of effective athletic administration. Many new directors fall into the trap of trying to manage every detail, but as both Stecker and Petersen noted, the true mark of a great leader is knowing when to pass the baton. By entrusting responsibilities—whether it’s event management, scheduling, or even routine communications—to capable staff, athletic directors not only free themselves to focus on big-picture strategy but also cultivate leadership skills in others. It’s about choosing the “big rocks” that require your personal attention and empowering your team to handle the rest.
Transparency in Budgeting: Teaching the True Cost of Excellence
Financial stewardship was another hot topic. Scott Garvis delivered a wake-up call: most athletic departments are funded not by school budgets, but through gate receipts and booster clubs. His stories of breaking down costs—from $600 football helmets to the unseen expenses of equipment—demonstrated that transparency in budgeting is crucial. By educating parents and community members about the true costs of running a program, athletic directors can build a foundation of trust and support that is as important as any on-field victory.
Embracing Technology to Streamline Operations
No modern playbook is complete without technology, and the seminar shone a spotlight on innovative scheduling tools. With integrated software platforms now available, athletic directors can consolidate everything from event scheduling and ticketing to real-time updates on public calendars. This technological edge not only boosts efficiency but also liberates valuable time for strategic planning and mentorship—time that can be reinvested into building the kind of culture that champions long-term success.
A Blueprint for the Future
The insights shared at the seminar form a comprehensive blueprint for today’s athletic directors. From fostering a dynamic, continuously evolving culture to the critical importance of delegation and transparent budgeting, the discussions underscored that leadership in high school athletics is as much about people as it is about process. As our panelists—Stecker, Petersen, and Garvis—demonstrated, the role of an athletic director is about shaping not only successful teams but also inspiring the next generation of leaders.
For anyone stepping into the AD role, these lessons offer more than just operational tips—they provide a roadmap to create environments where student-athletes thrive on and off the field, ensuring that the game is always played at the highest level of excellence.
roots—where kids play because they love it, not because they feel they have to.
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