Why Supporting Growth-Minded ADs – Especially New Ones – Shapes the Future of School Athletics
Athletic administration has never been more complex. Between compliance demands, legislative pressure, parent expectations, equity considerations, and student safety, the role of the athletic director has expanded far beyond scheduling games and supervising coaches.
At the National AD Conference, one theme surfaced repeatedly – not in formal sessions, but in hallway conversations:
There is a growing mindset divide within the profession, and it is shaping outcomes for schools.
While every AD brings different experience and personality to the role, their approach often falls into one of two categories: fixed mindset or growth mindset.
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Fixed-mindset ADs tend to view the role as static — something to be managed rather than evolved. They rely heavily on “how it’s always been done” and often resist new tools, processes, or accountability structures.
Common traits include:
Over time, this approach creates friction. Coaches lack clarity, parents feel frustrated, and risk quietly accumulates until something breaks.
Growth-minded ADs see athletic administration as a constantly evolving leadership role. They seek improvement, welcome new perspectives, and understand that better systems create safer and more equitable programs.
Common traits include:
These leaders aren’t just keeping up — they’re shaping how the profession moves forward.
The demands on athletic directors are increasing faster than the profession’s support systems. Veteran ADs who built careers in a simpler era sometimes struggle to adapt, while new ADs often step into the role without fully understanding its scope.
As a result:
Without intentional support, the gap widens – and schools feel the impact.
One of the most consistent concerns raised at the conference was about new athletic directors. Many shared that they entered the role with passion and confidence, only to be blindsided by the realities of compliance, communication volume, and legal responsibility.
New ADs often struggle with:
Without mentorship, structure, and tools, burnout happens quickly — even among highly capable leaders.
Schools led by growth-minded ADs consistently experience better outcomes. These aren’t theoretical benefits, they’re visible and measurable.
Growth-minded leadership leads to:
In short, growth mindset doesn’t just improve operations- it improves trust.
Bridging the mindset gap requires more than individual effort. It requires intentional support from districts, state associations, and national organizations.
Key areas of support include:
When ADs are supported, they grow. When they grow, programs stabilize. And when programs stabilize, students benefit.
The future of athletic administration belongs to leaders who embrace growth, not perfection, but progress. Supporting new ADs and encouraging a growth mindset across the profession isn’t optional; it’s essential.
As expectations continue to rise, the question isn’t whether athletic departments need to evolve, it’s whether we’re giving ADs the support they need to lead that evolution.
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