Bear NecessitiesVolume 32

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the California State Athletic Directors Conference, an annual opportunity I always look forward to. There's a saying often repeated at this event: "Nobody knows what an Athletic Director does except another Athletic Director." And it's true, being surrounded by peers who share a understanding of the role is not only energizing, but also reassuring. These weekends always fill my cup as they offer a chance to connect with other Athletic Directors from across the state who are passionate about improving student-athlete experiences.

Common themes this year were student leadership and culture, which aligns perfectly with initiatives I have been working on at Mercy. One highlight for me was attending a Leadership Training Course (LTC) on "Developing Athletic Handbooks." This was particularly timely, as I've been in the process of creating a Captains Handbook to help guide and empower our student-athletes in their leadership roles.

During Saturday's general session led by Ron Nocetti, Executive Director of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) he discussed important updates and goals at the state level. He also issued a clear challenge to all of us: increase girls sports participation on our campuses. That message was particularly impactful, as increasing participation has been one of my goals this year. I'm proud to share that we've already made great strides in this area, and I'm excited to keep pushing forward to ensure even more students feel welcomed and supported in athletics.

With the remainder of the school year quickly approaching, I am coming back with a renewed energy, a fresh set of strategies, and a strong sense of purpose.