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.

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 time
• Why “coaching coaches” is essential to long-term success
• How strong relationships and solution-based leadership drive progress, even with limited resources

These 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!

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.

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.