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

The 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.

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

The 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.

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

The 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.

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 students
• The organization’s growth in representing all sports and the increased involvement of female coaches across the association
• The importance of collaboration between THSCA and THSADA through initiatives like the Texas Way and Educate Excel Play
• How the Coaches Leadership Tour is bringing professional development and leadership opportunities directly to coaches across eight regions of Texas
• THSCA’s role in monitoring legislative issues impacting education-based athletics, including school funding, NIL, transfers, and UIL policies
• What attendees can expect from the 2026 THSCA Coaching School and Convention, one of the largest gatherings in high school athletics

These 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 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.

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 campaign
• How collaboration between statewide organizations is helping tell a stronger story about public school athletics and student opportunities
• Why member feedback plays a critical role in shaping THSADA programming, professional development, and conference experiences
• What attendees can expect at the 2026 THSADA State Conference

These 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.

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 practice
• Why enthusiastic belief from coaches is a catalyst for unlocking potential in student-athletes
• How programs like The Texas Way are creating measurable cultural change across schools and communities
• Why storytelling and community engagement are essential to sustaining and growing athletic programs

These 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.

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 growth
• How “little conversations” can strengthen relationships and prevent larger leadership breakdowns
• Why listening, discernment, and timing are essential in today’s educational landscape

These 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.