The podcast makes its second visit to Hawaii. UIAAA Connection #236 – Pastor Rob Araki, CMAA, Former Director of Athletics – Hanalani Schools K-12, is now available. PastorRob grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, near Wade Hampton High School, where former NIAAA President Darryl Nance worked. His mother hoped he would attend Bob Jones University, but he found his way to being a pastor by othermeans. He earned a degree in Business Administration. Now serving as the state coordinator in Hawaii, Rob recently co-authored LTC 718, a leadership course focused on navigating tragic events. His advice centers on three key principles: finding a reliable mentor, intentionally scheduling rest tomaintain balance, and prioritizing family care. These practices support strong, compassionate leadership and long-term personal and professional well-being. PleaseListen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #235 –Aaron Whitehead, Director of Athletics – Granite School District, is now available.Aaron, born in Sandy and a Skyline High graduate, played football before attending Southern Utah University, often called the “coaching factory.” Hebegan his education career at East High School, serving as head football coach, later moving to Olympus High in the same role. Between these positions, he worked as a graduate assistant for Bronco Mendenhall at BYU, gaining valuablecollege-level experience. Aaron’s advice emphasizes three points: listen and learn, understand your school’s culture, and if new to a school, think big,start small, and move forward carefully and deliberately. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 another visit to Davis County. UIAAA Connection #234 – Tom Zarate - Director of Athletics – Northridge High School, is now available. Tom, born in Utah, moved frequently until settling near Ithaca, New York, by seventh grade. He attended junior high and high school in that area, shaped by theinfluence of parents who both worked in education. Tom later graduated from BYU–Idaho, where he also met his wife. As a youth, he stayed active in soccerand swimming. In 2025, he attended his first UIAAA conference, an experience he strongly recommends. His key advice: attend the UIAAA conference early in your AD career and seek out a trusted mentor to help guide your journey. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 its first visit to Wyoming. UIAAA Connection #238 – Ben Smith- recently retired Superintendent of Big Horn School District is now available. Ben grew up in Greybull, Wyoming, and attended RicksCollege after excelling as a three-sport athlete in high school. He completed a two-year mission in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His education career includes principal roles at four high schools—two in Utah, two in Wyoming—and a superintendent position in Wyoming. Alongside administrative duties, he leads with passion and purpose. Now retired, Ben founded the non-profit “I Love to Read.” His advice: find a mentor, join UIAAA and NIAAA, maintain consistent protocols, and recognize the deep, lasting impact coaches have on student-athletes throughout their development. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You cansubscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #232 – Justin Pitcher, CAA, Principal – Cottonwood High School, is now available. Justin, born in Riverton and a Bingham High graduate, competed in track and cross country. He launched his education career in Las Vegas, teaching middle school English. Early on, Justin discovered the critical lesson of recognizing trustworthy people. He emphasizes the administrator’s role in creatingopportunities for students to pursue their dreams. His advice centers on over-communicating with teams and hiring coaches who genuinely care, foster belonging, and build positive connections, helping shape a supportive,inspiring school environment for all. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 its 3rd visit to Washington. UIAAA Connection #231 – Melton Jefferson III, CAA, Director of Athletics – North Creek High School, is now available.Melton, born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, earned degrees from four different colleges, shaping a broad educational foundation. During his second year as athletic director, the COVID pandemic struck, forcing him to adapt and step beyond his comfort zone. Melton highlights the importance of personal growth and learning as an AD. His key advice encourages finding an honest, trustworthy mentor and remaining open to challenges, allowing yourself tostretch, grow, and become stronger in leadership and decision-making. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 another visit to Washington County. UIAAA Connection #230 – Mike Bair, Director of Athletics – Dixie High School, is now available. Mike, originally from Rexburg, later settled in Lovell, Wyoming. His father coachedwrestling at Ricks College, inspiring Mike’s athletic journey. In high school, Mike excelled in three sports. He began his career at Dixie High School in 1992, teaching driver’s education and coaching. By 2002, he stepped into theathletic director role, eventually advancing to assistant principal and AD in 2009. Mike emphasizes the importance of building strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and colleagues throughout the school community. PleaseListen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! 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 another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #229 – Lei Lolohea, Director of Athletics – West Jordan High School, is now available. Lei Lolohea grew up in Long Beach before moving to West Jordan during high school. Now working at her alma mater, she continues a legacy shaped by former West Jordan athletic administrators Carlson Boudreau, Scott Briggs, and Dan Cowan. Lei played college basketball under Wendy Anae, now the AD at Timpview. She spoke passionately about finding joy in the journey, even while navigating challenges. Her advice to new ADs includes building strong relationships with custodial staff from day one and asking every question necessary to grow, lead confidently, and support the entire school community. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.