Advertise on podcast: UIAAA Connection

The podcast is making its 7th visit to Ohio. UIAAA Connection #304 – Morgan Sullivan, CAA - Director of Athletics – WestLiberty Salem High School - is now available. Morgan grew up in southeast Ohio near the West Virginia and Kentucky borders and attended Heidelberg University in Tiffin,Ohio, where he played baseball for mentor Matt Psalm. As a college senior when 9/11 occurred, Morgan enlisted in the Army and began an incredible 20-year military career before entering athletic administration in August 2022. Hereflects on his younger self, admitting that, like many recent college graduates, he felt ready to coach and thought he knew everything. Morgan also shares his journey with his podcast, Talkin With the AD, now approaching 25 episodes. He also mentions his soon to be published book Coach on Leadership.  He highlights Ohio legends Bruce Brown, GlennGillespie, Julie Renner, Randy Tevepaugh, Jeff Kurtz, and Trey Newberry. His advice: use every local, state, and national resource available and make time to build meaningful relationships. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Utah. UIAAA Connection #303 - Chris Baer, CMAA - Assistant Director ofAthletics – Park City High School - is now available. Chris takes listeners on a journey from Media, Pennsylvania, where he grew up playing football and lacrosse, to ParkCity High School, where he graduated in 2008. His lacrosse career continued at New York Tech before leading him to Westminster College in Salt Lake City, where he earned his master’s degree. Today, Chris works at his alma mater,giving back to the school that helped shape his career. He shares how his mother and aunt influenced his life and the lessons they passed along. Chris also highlights the tremendous networking opportunities available through theUIAAA and NIAAA. His take in going through the NIAAA QPA process is not to be missed. His advice for athletic administrators comes down to two simple principles: stay organized, keep that desk clean, and listen to the adviceothers offer along the way. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its second visit to New York. UIAAA Connection #302 – Jim Johnson – basketball coach andmotivational speaker - is now available. Coach Johnson grew up in Greece, New York, a suburb of Rochester, where his father became the head basketball coach during Jim’s eighth-grade year. He followed his father’s coaching path, playing basketball at Slippery Rock before attending SUNY Cortland. He modeled his coaching philosophy after his father and legendary coach John Wooden, becoming a head coach at age 25. During the podcast, Jim shared his seven points of success, including clarifying your vision and embracing servant leadership. He also told the inspiring J-Mac (Jason McElwain) story that brought him and his program overnight fame. His advice centered on leading yourself, understanding your “why,” taking a 90-day listening tour, identifying your core values, and establishing the behaviors you expect from others. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its third visit to Kentucky. UIAAA Connection #301 – Jackie Duval – Director of Athletics, Fayette County Public Schools - is now available. In this episode, Jackie shares a fascinating journey from growing up in Frankfort, Kentucky, as the daughter of a college basketball coach to becoming a leader in athletic administration. A standout athlete, she scored more than 1000 points in basketball in her senior year while dominating the 400-meterrace and winning a state championship every year of high school. She continued her track career at the University of Kentucky, earning a degree in Communications, before beginning her athletic administration career at KentuckyState University. Jackie discusses how NIL and the transfer landscape have amplified the athlete’s voice and changed the profession. Her advice is simple: stay adaptable, pivot quickly when needed, and never allow adult problems to negativelyaffect student-athletes. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to the UIAAA Board of Directors. UIAAA Connection #300 – Ron Dolphin, CMAA – Assistant Executive Director - Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association - is now available. Ron opened thepodcast by describing his second career on the Colorado River as “Captain Ron.” He then discussed Grand County High School’s transition from traditional 11-man football to eight-man football in Moab and the changes accompanying that move. Ron also reviewed significant developments within the UIAAA during the past year, including Lee Gille becoming membership chair, Whitney Randall joining as communications director, and Jamie Sheetz succeeding Clark Stringfellow as an assistant coordinator. He highlighted the continued rotation of UIAAA leadership and increased scholarships supporting first-time attendees at theNIAAA Conference. Ron emphasized the UIAAA’s continued growth, strong membership, and positive direction. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its 15th visit to Indiana. UIAAA Connection #299 – Phil Rison, CMAA, Executive Director,National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association – is now available. Phil is the first four-time guest on thepodcast, and he brings plenty of updates from the NIAAA office. He introduces new staff members Emily Morris and April Haffner, along with summer intern Landon Dennison, grandson of former Executive Director Bruce Whitehead. Philshares highlights from a productive summer Board meeting and the September Coordinators’ Summit, along with insights from his travels to Section Meetings. He also celebrates NIAAA membership surpassing 17,000 and certification averaging about 100 athletic directors per month. Phil recaps recent conferences in Tampa, Orlando, and Austin, previews Phoenix, and looks ahead to Kansas City and the NIAAA’s 50th conference. His unique journey includes service as a Board member, Board President, and now Executive Director. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, ApplePodcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #298 – Dan Cowan, CMAA, Retired Director of Athletics – West Jordan H S – is now available. Dan Cowan reflects on a distinguished career dedicated to educational athletics and leadership. Growing up in Salt LakeCity, he excels as a three-sport athlete at South High School before attending the University of Utah, where he played four seasons of basketball under legendary coach Jack Gardner. As one of the pioneers of the UIAAA, Dan champions the value of professional development and certification, becoming thefirst Utahn and one of the first 40 individuals in the nation to earn the CMAA designation. He emphasizes the importance of family, reminds listeners that the public rarely understands the full scope of an athletic director's responsibilities, and encourages leaders to love their students and coaches,keep meticulous records, and remain objective when working with parents. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its first visit to Rhode Island. UIAAA Connection #297 – Elizabeth “Beth” Penkala, CMAA - Executive Director Rhode Island Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association - is now available. Beth reflects on a career shaped by leadership, innovation, and a passion for educational athletics. Raised in Rhode Island, she competed during the early years of Title IX, specializing in the shot put and discus before graduating from Warren High School. Beth credits her parents and coaches as the mentors who inspire her commitment to excellence. She discusses the growing influence of artificial intelligence over the past decade and explains why online ticketing has become essential for today's athletic programs. Beth also speaks with deep admirationfor Rhode Island legends Mike Lunney, the late Allen Huestis, and former RIAAA Executive Director Elaine Botelho. Her advice: stay ahead of the job and communicate effectively with every stakeholder. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its second visit to Michigan. UIAAA Connection #296 – Kevin Guzzo, CMAA, Director of Athletics – St. Josephs H S – is now available. Kevin proudly shared his roots as a "Yooper," growing up in the small Upper Peninsula community of Bessemer, Michigan. After earning a mathematics degree from Western Michigan University, he built a career dedicated to educational athletics and leadership. Kevin emphasizes the importance of maintaining ahealthy work-life balance while reminding listeners that high school athletics never truly pauses during the summer months. He reflects on lessons learned from respected Michigan mentors and experiences gained at the recent conference in Tampa. His advice encouraged athletic directors to leave their desks, build genuine relationships with student-athletes, remember their purpose, and prioritize personal well-being because effective leadership begins with taking care of yourself. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Cache County in Utah. UIAAA Connection #295 – Weston Zabriskie, Director of Athletics – Ridgeline High School – is now available. Weston reflects on a career built through coaching, leadership, and continuous learning. Raised in Moroni, Utah, he starred as amulti-sport athlete before graduating from North Sanpete High School. While attending Snow College he served an LDS mission in Russia. Weston later married and continued his education at Utah State University while launching hiscoaching career. He spent 15 years as a head football coach at South Sevier and Cedar Valley before becoming AD at Ridgeline, now in his second year. Weston reminded listeners that Utah athletic directors have authority in coachingdecisions and encourage leaders to leave their egos behind, embrace proven ideas, and never avoid difficult conversations. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its sixth visit to New Jersey. UIAAA Connection #294– David Frazier, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Rutherford High School – is now available. David shares a lifetime of leadership, athletic excellence, and service toeducational athletics. Growing up in Rutherford, New Jersey, he returned to serve at his alma mater after competing in basketball and track. At Manhattan College, he established himself as one of the nation's premier triple jumpers, capturing multiple championship titles and earning consistent success in both the triple and long jump. With more than 25 years as an athletic director, David reflects on influential New Jersey leaders and his service on the NFHS Board of Directors from 2000–2024. His advice remains straightforward: listenfirst, communicate honestly, own your mistakes, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Tooele County in Utah. UIAAA Connection #293 – Bailey Moss, Assistant Director ofAthletics – Stansbury High School – is now available. Bailey reflects on a journey shaped by adaptability, service, and a passion for educational athletics. Born in Washington, she lived in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon before moving to Utah during eighth grade. A three-sport athlete in high school, Bailey later earned a degree in Earth Science from BYU–Idaho. As the mother of three children, she balances family life while working at the junior high and assisting the athletic director atthe high school, experiences that prepare her for greater leadership opportunities. Her advice encouraged aspiring athletic directors to trust their colleagues, seek guidance freely, and never hesitate to ask thoughtful questions. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its second visit to South Carolina. UIAAA Connection #292– Carlos Cave, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Beaufort County School District – is now available. Carlos shares the experiences and relationships thatshaped his career in educational athletics and leadership. After graduating from high school, he attended Georgia Southern University before returning to his alma mater to begin teaching and coaching. He soon accepted his firstathletic director position, launching a career dedicated to serving students and schools. Today, Carlos serves on the NIAAA Board of Directors and chairs LTC 608, which focuses on effective time management. He reflected on theinfluence of South Carolina legends John Carlisle, Jerry Linn, and Darryl Nance. His advice encourages athletic directors to become active in their state associations, pursue LTC courses, earn certification, and engage nationally. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making another visit to Davis County in Utah. UIAAA Connection #291 – Brian Berrong, Director of Athletics – Layton High School – is now available. Brian shares a journey marked by diverse experiences, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to serving students. Growing up in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he competed in football and track before attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University,where he crossed paths with Rex and Rob Ryan. He later transfers to BYU–Hawaii to play rugby, served an LDS mission in southern Utah, and completed his education at Weber State University, earning degrees in history and political science while also playing football. After working in several high schools and earning a master's degree from Utah State University, Brian emphasizes two keys to success: finding an outstanding mentor and always focusing on servingstudents, parents, coaches, and the community. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast is making its third visit to Illinois. UIAAA Connection #290 – Jen Doede, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Amos Alonzo Stagg H S – is now available. Jen shared how an unexpected setback became the foundation for a rewarding career in athletics. Growing up in Tinley Park, Illinois, she graduated from high school before attending North Central College, where she competed in volleyball. An ACL injury during her senior year redirected her path intocoaching, a change she now views as one of life's greatest opportunities. Jen encourages listeners to choose being a victor rather than a victim when facing adversity. She also advised athletic directors to invest time building relationships beyond their coaching staff, remain patient, and remember that meaningful progress does not need to happen during the first year. https://open.spotify.com/show/2L2ERXOxQcuHl5GE1vjOiH This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.