GADA

Middle school ADs: Focus on small wins, build sportsmanship, and bridge the gap to high school.   Strong communication with your principal can unlock support, helping fuel your purpose. When leadership also believes in your role, your impact multiplies.

Former GADA President Ricky Turner shares his best advice for new ADs: Connect & network.✅ 24 years ago, he came to this conference not knowing a soul. Whether by joining workshops or grabbing lunch with other ADs, he showed up. That’s where the community & growth began.

Summer is flying by! Before the month wraps up, make sure you’ve had a look at our July AD checklist. Check it out here: gadaonline.net/july-gada-athl….

Most people have no idea what athletic directors actually do behind the scenes, and that’s on us. It’s time to change the narrative. Celebrate your wins. Tell your story. Shine the light on your kids, your coaches, and the work that makes it all possible.

Getting ready to celebrate Georgia’s best! 🏆 The stage is set, the trophies are shining, and the charcuterie is on point! It’s almost time for the @RegionsBank Director’s Cup Awards Ceremony! #GADA #DirectorsCup #GeorgiaAthletics #ADLeadership

1st Year AD Advice from Steve Waters of @Athletics_gcboe. After completing his first year on the job, Steve shares his insight: • Don’t assume someone else is going to get the job done • Nothing’s too small—little details are very important • Stay organized with lists

🚨 New Episode! We’re joined by veteran official Marcus Woods—a pro on the court, the field, and in leadership. @NIAAA9100 ✅ What makes a great coach (from the ref’s POV) ✅ How to better support officials Listen: hanginwiththead.com/891289/episode… or Watch: youtu.be/Grvi3P_jlgQ

🏆 Big night ahead! Join us for the inaugural Regions Bank Director's Cup Award Ceremony honoring Georgia’s top athletic programs! @AJCsports @samcrenshaw23 @ZachKleinWSB @11AliveSports @Ria_Martin @AlisonWSB 📅 Thursday, July 17 | 🕡6:30 PM 📍 Virtue Village – Peachtree Corners

Summer is in full swing, and we’ve got all the latest on all things GADA. Our July newsletter is packed with important updates, member spotlights, and everything you need to stay connected and game-ready for the season ahead. Check it out here ➡️ view.gogipper.com/page/3164322.

⭐Congratulations to the 99 individuals that earned a designation in June!⭐ #ShowingTheWay #ProfessionalDevelopment

Registration is OPEN for the 56th National Athletic Directors Conference! Get ready for another stellar conference full of learning, networking, and excitement 🎉 Register below: adconference.org/register

Difficult conversations are always hard, but there are powerful ways we can make them easier. From choosing the right time & place to focusing on facts, removing emotion and leading with empathy, these practical guidelines help you stay in control & keep relationships intact.

Collaboration across departments builds stronger campuses. From joint luncheons with fine arts staff to new teacher training and open Q&As with the athletic department, this is what innovation and community engagement really look like. Proactive. Intentional. Student-centered.

Setting clear expectations with student leaders at the start of the year can make all the difference. Consistent leadership and accountability matter. These intentional conversations can help shape a student section that truly reflects the values of the school and community.

🚨 New Episode Alert! Author, speaker, and entrepreneur @AlexDemczak joins us! We talk The Sale, leadership integrity, public speaking, & what it means to be a high-performance leader. @NIAAA9100 @JonGordon11 Listen: buzzsprout.com/admin/891289/e… or Watch: youtu.be/IlQBxePZuIY

🔥 Elevate your leadership this summer! Join us July 14–Aug 4 for live NIAAA webinars taught by national faculty. Sessions run 1–5 p.m. EST on weekdays—don't miss out! 📚 View the full course lineup: bit.ly/43Q3Mlt

GADA Membership Registration is now open! Join a dedicated network of athletic leaders committed to excellence, growth, and connection. Register today at gada.finalforms-amp.com.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership. Congratulations @KelliWHutcheson, Georgia’s recipient of the NFHS Citation Award!🏆 From cheer coach to district AD, her visionary leadership & lifelong dedication to student-athletes have shaped high school sports across the state and nation.

Big things are happening at PlayOn! From fan engagement tools on the NFHS Network, to hands-free website updates, to next-level coaching analytics and more, they’re making it easier than ever to connect, stream, and compete. Head to playonsports.com to learn more!

EAPs don’t work unless you work them. Walk the campus. Review EAPs often. Include all the stakeholders. Practice every season, make it second nature. Emergencies don’t wait for a plan to be printed. If you’re not reviewing and running scenarios, you’re not truly prepared.