The podcast makes another visit to Southern Utah. UIAAA Connection #267 – Dustin Drake, CAA, Director of Athletics - Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, is now available. Dustin grew up in southern Utah and graduated from Dixie High School in 2001. He developed as a leader under several mentors, including his father, before stepping into his current role after a decade working in a middle school setting. Dustin discusses the importance of professional certification and reflects on the challenge of adding three varsity sports over the past four years. He expresses genuine enjoyment inworking around student-athletes and supporting their growth. His advice emphasizes ensuring head coaches remain fully prepared, developing strong technology skills, and paying close attention to how time and energy get spenteach day in athletic administration. This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox,Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast makes its fifth visit to New Jersey. UIAAA Connection #266 – Sean Dowling, CMAA, Director of Athletics – North Plainsfield High School, New Jersey - is now available. Sean grew up in Oyster Bay on Long Island, stayinginvolved in every youth sport available and later competing in collegiate football. Before stepping into athletic administration, he coached both football and lacrosse, experiences that shaped his leadership style. He findsdeep fulfillment in watching high school athletes grow and in helping transform team and school culture. Sean speaks warmly about the DAANJ and NIAAA families and shares the guiding mindset, “Forget About Me, I Love You.” He emphasizes active involvement within professional organizations. His advice encourages finding a trusted mentor and intentionally protecting time for family events whilenavigating the demands of the athletic director role. Thispodcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast makes another visit to Utah County. UIAAAConnection #265 – Matt Norman, Director of Athletics Alpine School District - is now available. Matt, the son of a BYU professor, attended Pleasant Grove High School and graduated in 1984 as a three-sport athlete. He playedcollegiate baseball for what is now UVU. He speaks warmly about influential mentors in his life, including his parents, Darold Henry, John Hoover, and Keith Allred. A unique moment in his story includes serving an LDS mission inChicago during the 1985 Super Bowl run. Matt reflects on how educational leadership and the athletic director role have evolved since the 1990s. He highlights Alpine School District incentives for completing LTC courses and the success of its Captains Academy. His advice emphasizes sharpening conversation skills and building strong relationships with every stakeholder. This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify,Stitcher, and YouTube.