Texas High School Athletic Directors Association

Leading in Today’s Changing Environment

Objectives for the Session

• Thank You

• Personal Introductions

• Six Lessons Learned

• QuestionsTexas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless

Champions

• Upbringing

• Family Background

• Athletic Experiences

• Educational Background

• Professional Experiences

• Professional Development

Personal Introductions

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 1

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

• Since 1804

• 20 Sports

• 537 Student Athletes

• Coaching Staff

• Athletic Administrative Staff

• Relationship with the University

• Community Relations

• Business Operations

Setting

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 1

• Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Our Mission

To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”

1. Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 2

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

• Student-Athlete Issues

• Working “In” the Barrel

• Every Constituency Requiring Attention

• Gambling Allegations

• Dozens of Operational or Systems Issues

• Head Coaching – Crisis

Setting

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

• Strategic Planning

• Vision

• Mission

• Guiding Principles

• Organizational Structure

• Chain of Communication

• High Level Systems

• Brand of the Program

• Financial Performance

• Strategic Learning

• Program Offering

• Key Communications

• Development Efforts

• Selection of Key Staff

• Professional Advisors

• Competition Records

• Schedules & Key Tasks

• Crisis Management

Professional Responsibilities

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 2

Stay Focused on the

Vital Priorities

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

416

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

• Our Most Important Constituents

• Sons & Daughters of Our Community

• Future Leaders within Our Communities

• Academic – Physical – Social Development

• Health & Safety is our Primary Concern

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Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Other Vital Priorities• The Student-Athlete Experience

• Communications & Support from President

• Athletic Competition – Coaching Staff

• Assemble Senior Leadership Team

• Develop the Vision & Design the Plan

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”

1. Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

2. Stay Focused on Vital Priorities

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 3

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Setting• No Learning

• Weak Systems

• Unhealthy Relationships

• Lack of Creativity

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 3

Professional Development

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Professional Development

• Responsibility for Professional Development

• Training Develops Accountability

• Focus on the Vital & Important Skills

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”

1. Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

2. Stay Focused on Vital Priorities

3. Professional Development

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 4

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Setting

• Weak Reporting

• Lack of Financial Controls

• Weak Communications w/ President

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 4

Hold Your Staff Accountable

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Personal & Professional Accountability

• Best interest of the Student-Athlete?

• Best interest of the Department of Athletics?

• Best interest of the University?

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”

1. Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

2. Stay Focused on Vital Priorities

3. Professional Development

4. Hold your staff Accountable

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 5

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Setting

• Weak Community Relations

• Weak University Relations

• Weak Fan Relations

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 5

Develop Healthy Relationships

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Healthy Relationships

• Student-Athletes

• President of the University

• Leadership Team

• Coaching Staff

• Board of Trustees

• Major Donor’s

• Community

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”1. Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

2. Stay Focused on Vital Priorities

3. Professional Development

4. Hold Your Staff Accountability

5. Develop Healthy Relationships

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 6

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Setting• Diane’s Family

• My Family

• Separation at the Beginning

• New Home

• New Stores

• New Church

• New Friends

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Lesson # 6

Stay Focused

on Your Family

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Family Time

• Dinner Time

• Family Basketball

• Movie Night

• “Little Treat” Time

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

“Six Lessons Learned”1. Develop a Strong Sense of Mission

2. Stay Focused on Vital Priorities

3. Professional Development

4. Hold Your Staff Accountability

5. Develop Healthy Relationships

6. Focus on the Family

Texas Tech Athletic Department I To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions

Contact Information

Kirby HocuttDirector of AthleticsTexas Tech University

(806) 742-2831kirby.hocutt@ttu.edu