Advertise on podcast: AD 360

Greg Crowe, CEO of Boostr Digital Displays, stopped by to discuss facility upgrades, such as scoreboards and LED Lights. When is the best time to upgrade? What's a good timeline for upgrades? Greg comes from an educational and coaching background, so his unique expertise lent to an interesting conversation.

Parents, athletes, and athletic directors are all feeling the same friction at the start of the school year, and most of it isn't really conflict; it's transition. Scott Rosenberg, Mike Hart, and Stephen Anderson break down why the move from youth or club sports into middle school and high school athletics catches families off guard, and how a few proactive conversations can prevent months of frustration. Stephen Anderson, athletic director at Providence Academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin, created the Rising Athlete Project and the Rising Freshman Field Guide to help schools and families navigate the jump into education-based athletics with less stress and more clarity. For more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialPlayOn

AI is evolving fast, and athletic directors are already finding practical ways to use it to save time, reduce stress, and improve communication. In this episode of AD360, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg talk with Shaka Johnson, Athletic Director at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in Michigan, about how he’s using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gamma, Otter, and more in his daily workflow. Shaka shares real examples of using AI for parent complaint resolution, email triage, coach evaluations, scheduling, social media content, presentations, student-athlete development, and even personal productivity.

Stepping into a new role as an Athletic Director isn’t just about making changes—it’s about listening, building trust, and setting the right foundation. In this episode of AD360, we’re joined by Jeremy Eubank, AD at Prince Edward County High School, who shares real-world insights on leading through transition. From establishing non-negotiables to building relationships and creating early wins, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for any AD entering a new environment.

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg interview Steve Montoya from MaxPreps to explore how athletic directors can build program identity, enhance media relationships, and increase visibility for their athletes. Discover actionable strategies to elevate high school sports programs and attract media and recruiting attention.

In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg talk with Brandon Derrick, head football coach at Frederica Academy in Georgia. They discuss the vital relationship between coaches and athletic directors, the importance of time management, and the evolving dynamics of coaching through analytics. Derrick emphasizes the need for open communication, the value of analytics in coaching, and the significance of creating a culture of excellence within athletic programs. He also shares insights on budgeting, resource allocation, and the importance of teaching life lessons through sports. Chapters 01:57 Building Relationships: Coaches and Athletic Directors 05:54 The Importance of Time Management in Coaching 09:00 Evolving Coaching Strategies and Team Dynamics 11:57 Creating a Culture of Success in Athletics 14:57 Resources and Support for Athletic Programs 19:59 Budgeting and Financial Strategies in Sports 26:07 The Importance of Philanthropy in Sports Programs 27:02 Leveraging Analytics for Coaching Efficiency 38:49 Evolving Coaching Approaches and Student Development 48:03 Supporting Coaches: The Role of Athletic Directors

Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg are live at the 2025 NADC Conference in Tampa, breaking down the event. They cover the energy of the event, common themes, social events taking place, and general advice for an AD on how to make the most out of their experience at this trade show.

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of building a succession plan in athletic administration with guest John DiColo. They explore the qualities of future leaders, the significance of mentorship, and the need for motivation and support in developing athletic directors. The conversation also highlights the balance between leadership responsibilities, the value of networking, and the impact of community involvement. Additionally, they discuss resources for aspiring ADs, trends shaping the profession, and the importance of exit strategies for career planning.

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss strategies for athletic directors to maximize their experience at the upcoming NIAAA conference. They cover essential topics such as networking, choosing breakout sessions, and navigating the vendor hall. The conversation highlights the importance of planning, building relationships, and leveraging the diverse perspectives of both new and experienced athletic directors to foster professional development and collaboration within the field.

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of fan engagement in high school athletics with guest Brady Pond, the athletic director at Westwood High School in Arizona. They explore various strategies for building community connections, maintaining engagement throughout the year, and the role of branding in creating a positive atmosphere for student athletes and fans alike. Brady shares insights on how to create memorable events, the significance of social media, and the importance of collaboration among athletic directors.

Summary In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of branding in high school athletics with guest Leo Lopoz from De La Salle High School. They explore the evolution of De La Salle's brand, the significance of visual identity, and the need for consistency across various platforms. The conversation also covers community engagement, measuring branding success, and the future of athletic branding in an ever-changing landscape.

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the evolving role of data in athletic departments, particularly for athletic directors. They explore how data from ticket sales, streaming platforms, and social media can inform decisions, enhance fan engagement, and improve overall program performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing data-driven insights with instinct and experience, while also addressing common pitfalls in data usage and the emerging tools that can aid in data collection and analysis.

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the challenges and preparations that athletic directors face as they transition into a new school year. They reflect on their experiences with preseason worries, the importance of flexibility in management, and the dynamics of a coaching staff. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, setting boundaries, and the excitement that comes with the return of students and staff. The hosts share valuable insights and lessons learned from their careers, providing practical advice for new and seasoned athletic directors alike. 00:00 Summer Reflections and Preseason Preparations 11:46 Navigating Preseason Challenges 23:03 Game Day Operations and Team Coordination 29:08 Excitement for the Upcoming School Year

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the transition from traditional ticketing to digital ticketing for athletic events. They explore the challenges faced by athletic directors, the benefits of digital systems, and how to effectively communicate these changes to the community. The conversation also covers training staff, financial impacts, leveraging data insights, and expanding the uses of digital ticketing beyond just sports events. The hosts emphasize the importance of communication and preparation as schools gear up for the upcoming school year. Chapters 00:00 Summer Reflections and Transitions 02:35 Pain Points in Traditional Ticketing 09:19 The Shift to Digital Ticketing 14:32 Addressing Community Concerns with Technology 20:31 Communicating the Benefits of Change 24:18 Enhancing Fan Experience through Digital Ticketing 25:48 Training Staff for New Systems 30:02 Financial Benefits of Digital Ticketing 35:24 Leveraging Data Insights for Planning 41:05 Expanding Digital Ticketing Beyond Sports

In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg welcome Steve Montoya, Senior Director of Editorial at MaxPreps, to discuss the evolution and growing interest in high school sports. Steve shares his journey with MaxPreps, the impact of social media and live coverage on sports, and the importance of providing exposure for athletes. The conversation also highlights memorable athletes, the rise of girls' flag football, and the future of high school sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 01:43 Steve Montoya's Journey with MaxPreps 04:54 The Growing Interest in High School Sports 10:34 Evolution of High School Sports Coverage 16:47 MaxPreps and Its Role in Athlete Exposure 21:27 Impact of Data and Rankings on High School Sports 25:13 Memorable Athletes and Stories from High School Sports 32:25 The Rise of Girls Flag Football 36:19 Closing Thoughts and Future of High School Sports