In this THSADA Director’s Cut we feature Dr. Leonard Merrell, a longtime Texas public school superintendent, Senior Consultant with the Center for Effective Schools, and member of the THSADA Superintendent TAAC Advisory Committee.

In our conversation Leonard shares timeless insights on leadership, mentorship, and navigating change in today’s evolving school and athletic environments.

Through decades of experience as a superintendent and community builder, Dr. Merrell reflects on what it takes to identify true leadership, the value of asking the right questions, and how personal growth and professional vision go hand in hand. With warmth, honesty, and wisdom, he reminds us that leadership isn't about knowing everything, it’s about knowing people, embracing change, and staying rooted in purpose.

This Director’s Cut is proudly presented by GameStrat, a trusted sideline replay solution supporting coaches and athletic programs across the country — and a valued partner of THSADA.

Whether you're an aspiring AD, a seasoned administrator, or someone passionate about servant leadership, this conversation is filled with meaningful takeaways for anyone shaping the future of education and athletics in Texas.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut powered by KALWALL we sit down with Rodney Chant, Executive Director of Athletics for San Angelo ISD and a THSADA Hall of Honor inductee, to explore the leadership lessons learned across districts big and small.

Rodney reflects on his journey from multi-high school districts like Fort Bend and Pasadena to the tight-knit community of San Angelo, where relationships run deep and Friday night lights still shut down the town.

This candid conversation covers:

• The transition from metro to rural athletics
• Advice for young coaches starting their careers
• How to draw the line between leadership and friendship
• The 40+ item checklist he uses to set coaches up for success
• Why all sports deserve equal support and visibility

Whether you're a new coach, a seasoned AD, or simply passionate about Texas high school athletics, this episode offers grounded insights from a leader who’s still doing the work—and doing it well.

👉 Watch now and hear why experience, empathy, and pacing yourself are keys to long-term success in athletic leadership.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we take you inside the 2025 Fall Forum, hosted at Northside ISD, where athletic leaders from across Texas gathered for two days of connection, reflection, and professional growth.

From an energizing kickoff message by Dr. Charles Breithaupt to a packed slate of workshop sessions, this year’s Forum tackled the most pressing topics facing athletic administrators today.

These Included:

• How to Scale Your Impact with AI, Content and Branding
• ALL Duties as Assigned
• Playing Smarter – Enhancing Athletic Spaces with Innovation and Safety
• Whistles and Wisdom
• Hot Topics
• UIL Updates

Whether you're leading a large district or just getting started in athletic administration, this recap delivers practical takeaways on leadership, collaboration, and creating a culture of excellence.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Hometown your trusted partner in growing school revenue through powerful websites, ticketing, and fundraising tools that bring your community together for unforgettable hometown experiences.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Mike Buddie, Director of Athletics at TCU and former Major League Baseball pitcher.

From his playing days in the Yankees organization to leadership roles at Furman and Army West Point, Buddie brings a seasoned, real-world perspective to the challenges facing athletic administrators today.

He shares how his leadership philosophy was shaped by working under a four-star general, why understanding the difference between what’s critical and what’s urgent is essential, and how he intentionally balances work and family in a 24/7 profession.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a veteran AD navigating a new era of expectations, this conversation offers practical insight on culture, communication, and keeping the main thing the main thing.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, QHF Sports, a Texas-based leader in sports floor maintenance and installation. From repairs and refinishing to permanent and portable basketball and volleyball courts, QHF helps schools deliver safe, professional-grade playing surfaces across the state. Learn more at qhfsports.com.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Trev Alberts, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University and former Butkus Award-winning linebacker.

From his time as an All-American player at Nebraska, to his years as a national broadcaster, to now leading one of the most visible programs in college sports, Alberts brings a full-circle perspective to the challenges facing coaches and athletic leaders today.

He opens up about the emotional toll of the current NIL climate, the cultural cost of constant instability, and how to hire and support coaches who are truly in it for the right reasons.

Whether you're leading at the high school level or managing the pressures of a large district or university, this conversation is a powerful reminder that integrity, clarity, and mission alignment still matter - especially in times of chaos.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, PBK Architects, a proud partner of Texas school districts and a national leader in designing future-ready athletic and academic facilities.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Richard Kilgore, Superintendent of Bruceville-Eddy ISD and the 2025 THSADA Superintendent of the Year. With 38 years in education — 19 of those as superintendent — Kilgore shares what superintendents are really looking for when they hire an athletic director.

From balancing flexibility and firmness, to understanding why integrity is evaluated long before the interview, to using active listening as a leadership superpower, Kilgore offers practical, real-world insights for athletic administrators at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re preparing for your first AD interview or refining your leadership approach, this conversation delivers tools, perspective, and wisdom you can put into action right away.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor Whataburger a proud supporter of the THSADA.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Coach Mike Bass, a longtime Texas athletic director known for building trust, relationships, and community-centered programs that last.

Coach Bass shares his blueprint for success, covering everything from:

• Leading large-scale facility projects with lasting impact
• Building strong partnerships with architects and stakeholders
• Winning community support before bond elections
• Revitalizing official recruitment through statewide collaboration
• Staying a lifelong learner through peer-led professional development

He also reflects on the power of THSADA Region meetings—why showing up, sharing ideas, and connecting with fellow ADs can lead to better decisions and stronger leadership across the state.

Whether you're a new AD or a seasoned leader, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world strategies you can apply in your own district.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Spectrum by Watchfire — digital display solutions that transform game-day and community engagement.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Dr. Charles Breithaupt, former Executive Director of the UIL and one of the most influential voices in Texas high school athletics.

From humble beginnings in Buna, Texas, to leading a team that managed over a million UIL contests a year, Dr. Breithaupt shares lessons from a lifetime of servant leadership and conflict resolution in one of the largest school systems in the country.

He opens up about the unseen responsibilities of athletic directors, how great leaders build trust before they ever hold a title, and why every game—and every parent—matters.

Topics covered in this episode include: Navigating conflict before it reaches the field, Earning influence when you don’t have authority, Building lasting relationships across districts, and What it really takes to protect and grow school culture.

Whether you're managing a 1A program or a 6A powerhouse, this conversation offers a masterclass in leadership, humility, and the long game.

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