In order to become the leader I wish to be, there are still benchmarks I need to hit. My journey is not over once I receive the Master of Arts in Education that I am currently working towards; there is still more ahead of me if I want to achieve and earn the job(s) I would like to have. My aspiration to become an Athletic Director has been nurtured by a deep passion for sports, leadership, and community engagement. With a clear vision and determination, I am committed to pursuing the necessary education and experiences to achieve this goal. Once I complete this degree, I will be looking at going to Central Michigan University where I will head into their accelerated program for administration and look to take classes that are more aligned to athletic administration. These programs are both innovative and will allow me to do the work first-hand in the district which I currently work. I am currently taking classes to help with finishing these programs before I can officially begin; if I truly want to be an innovator in this field, more educational opportunities are sure to help. To “finish the job”, setting and reaching goals is paramount to succeeding and not coming up short.
Goal One: Be Hands On
Becoming an Athletic Director requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses a blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and personal growth. Recognizing this, I am determined to pursue a comprehensive, hands-on educational path that will equip me with the knowledge and skills essential for success in this field. For instance, Central Michigan’s program offers a facilities management and design class that would allow me to tour different buildings and facilities around the region to help create and foster ideas for my own area and help me to figure out what I can and cannot do within designing new athletic facilities in my own context. In wanting to lead true change and innovation, “learning how to do the work” is essential to meeting the ends. The program I am currently in and the ones that I am seeking entrance to pride themselves on great fieldwork opportunities that will allow me to experience firsthand the things that I will work with daily in my field, which would provide me with a huge advantage not only in interviews, but also when I begin the work.
Goal Two: Be Ahead of the Changes
Being aware of the rapidly evolving landscape of sports administration, characterized by technological advancements,changing demographics, and shifting cultural norms, is essential to being ahead of trends and possible pitfalls. Therefore, being committed to staying on top of trends in the athletic and academic settings and bringing about innovations through new educational experiences and professional development opportunities, conferences, and networking events is paramount to getting out in front of the curve. My plan to achieve this goal essentially boils down to embracing a growth mindset, both in and out of the classroom (and on and off the field) to help me to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for success. Also, learning what has worked within the realm of athletics and what has not will help to prepare me to see when trends may change or what they may change to and how to best get out in front of them to take advantage and be innovative with my practices. To do this, attending state leadership trainings and conferences and national conventions will help me better understand situations, scenarios, and changes on a local, state, and country-wide level. A formal educational setting has helped and will continue to help with this. While I am going through school, and after, I will be well prepared to adapt to emerging challenges and seize opportunities for innovation in the pursuit of excellence.
Goal Three: Stay Educationally Inclined
At the core of my educational journey is the pursuit of a master's degree and certificates in Sports Management or a related field, even after my initial degree is finished. I plan on finishing the Sport Coaching and Leadership certificate from Michigan State’s College of Education before moving onto Central Michigan University. Furthering my education will provide me with an understanding of the evolving ideas and ideals of sports administration, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. Through coursework that delves into topics such as sports law, facility management, and event planning, staying current with a holistic perspective on the intricacies of managing athletic programs at various levels is essential to my success.
Moreover, I still must recognize the importance of supplementing classroom learning with hands-on experience. Volunteer opportunities, being a game-manager with our current Athletic Director and part-time opportunities within my current athletic department will afford me invaluable insights into the day-to-day operations of sports organizations. By actively engaging with professionals in the field, I aim to cultivate practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, all of which are indispensable for effective leadership as an Athletic Director.