Hall of Honor Series: Stan Laing on Servant Leadership, Building Culture, and Developing Coaches at Scale

The Future of Texas High School Sports: How THSCA Is Leading the Way

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 [https://www.musco.com/] 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.

2026 State Conference Special

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 [https://www.game-one.com/], 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 [https://www.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.

Key THSADA Initiatives and State Conference Preview

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.

Turning Belief Into Impact: How One Message Is Reaching Athletes Across the Country

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.

Proven Leadership Strategies: Mentorship, Honest Conversations & Growth with Jennifer Frazier - McKinney ISD

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.