AD 360

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.

SummaryIn 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 Preparations11:46 Navigating Preseason Challenges23:03 Game Day Operations and Team Coordination29:08 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.Chapters00:00 Summer Reflections and Transitions02:35 Pain Points in Traditional Ticketing09:19 The Shift to Digital Ticketing14:32 Addressing Community Concerns with Technology20:31 Communicating the Benefits of Change24:18 Enhancing Fan Experience through Digital Ticketing25:48 Training Staff for New Systems30:02 Financial Benefits of Digital Ticketing35:24 Leveraging Data Insights for Planning41:05 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:43 Steve Montoya's Journey with MaxPreps04:54 The Growing Interest in High School Sports10:34 Evolution of High School Sports Coverage16:47 MaxPreps and Its Role in Athlete Exposure21:27 Impact of Data and Rankings on High School Sports25:13 Memorable Athletes and Stories from High School Sports32:25 The Rise of Girls Flag Football36:19 Closing Thoughts and Future of High School Sports

In this episode of AD 360, host Greg Vandermade and co-host Scott Rosenberg talk with Christine Dahle, an athletic trainer at Fountain Valley High School, about the vital role of athletic trainers in sports. They explore Christine's journey into athletic training, the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by athletic trainers, and the importance of communication and relationships with coaches and parents. The conversation also touches on the hiring process for athletic trainers and how their performance can be evaluated effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Athletic Training and Appreciation Month01:36 Christine's Journey into Athletic Training03:42 The Role and Daily Life of an Athletic Trainer06:58 Navigating Relationships with Coaches and Parents08:30 Adapting to Changes and New Mandates11:43 Importance of Communication in Athletic Training18:09 Hiring the Right Athletic Trainer25:43 Evaluating Athletic Trainers' Performance28:04 The Iceberg Analogy: Understanding Athletic Training29:34 Building Trust: The Role of Athletic Trainers31:52 Evaluating Athletic Trainers: The Four C's32:11 Calm Under Pressure: Handling Emergencies35:50 Budgeting for Athletic Training: Essentials vs. Luxuries43:17 Memorable Experiences: A Day in the Life of an Athletic Trainer48:49 Advice for Aspiring Athletic Trainers: Be a Sponge

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg engage with Rich Porfido, a former athletic director, discussing the journey of transitioning out of the athletic director role. They explore the importance of leveraging existing connections, identifying suitable job opportunities, and preparing for a smooth transition. The discussion highlights the challenges faced during the transition, the skills that translate well into new roles, and practical steps for athletic directors considering a career change. The speakers emphasize the value of networking, continuous learning, and the need for careful planning when making such a significant career move.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Athletic Directorship and Transitioning Out02:18 The Journey to Becoming an Athletic Director05:24 Recognizing the Need for Change10:04 Mentorship and Guidance in Transition13:48 New Beginnings in Technology17:10 Leveraging Connections for Career Transition19:28 Finding the Right Fit in New Opportunities21:23 Navigating Challenges in Transitioning Careers27:05 Preparing for a Smooth Transition31:57 Identifying Suitable Career Paths for Former ADs35:25 Practical Steps for Athletic Directors Considering Change

In this episode of AD 360, we discuss the rise of girls flag football nationwide with insights from Dr. Jeff Sullivan, Director of Systemwide Athletics for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland.Sullivan shares the initial steps to launching a program, overcoming challenges, the importance of community engagement, and the partnerships with NFL teams that have supported the initiative.Our conversation highlights the significant impact of girls flag football on student participation and equity in high school athletics, as well as the future potential of the sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Girls Flag Football02:11 Initial Steps to Launching a Program05:03 Overcoming Challenges and Fears08:50 The Impact of New Opportunities10:00 Partnerships with NFL Teams12:03 Building Excitement and Momentum15:07 Training Coaches and Officials18:14 Addressing Unexpected Challenges22:03 The Rise in Popularity of Flag Football24:57 Public Perception and Community Support32:58 Future of Girls Flag Football

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberger share their craziest moments from their time as athletic directors. They discuss the challenges faced in their first years, unexpected chaos during game days, budgeting woes, legal troubles, and even encounters with celebrities at sporting events. Through their stories, they highlight the unpredictability of the role and the valuable lessons learned along the way.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Crazy Athletic Director Stories08:11 Unexpected Game Day Chaos14:24 Budgeting Woes and Financial Lessons22:51 Legal Trouble: The Weight of Leadership26:29 Scottie Pippen Story32:05 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the significance of multi-sport participation in high school athletics. The discussion addresses misconceptions surrounding multi-sport athletes, the impact of travel teams on high school sports, and the importance of balancing commitments for student-athletes involved in multiple activities. This conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of multi-sport participation for student-athletes. It highlights the impact of peer pressure, the role of athletic directors and coaches in fostering a supportive environment, and the influence of parents in encouraging or discouraging multi-sport involvement. The speakers emphasize the importance of communication, collaboration, and education in promoting a culture that values diverse athletic experiences for youth.00:00 Holiday Reflections13:34 Misconceptions and Challenges of Multi-Sport Athletes21:37 Balancing Commitments: Multi-Sport and Multi-Activity Athletes26:38 The Role of Athletic Directors in Multi-Sport Participation33:01 Creating a Collaborative Coaching Culture39:08 The Influence of Parents on Multi-Sport Participation

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the evolving nature of National Letter of Intent (NLI) ceremonies for student-athletes. They explore the importance of planning, budgeting, and coordinating with families and coaches to create memorable events celebrating student athletes' achievements. The conversation highlights best practices for logistics, media engagement, and community involvement, emphasizing the significance of these ceremonies in the context of athletic programs and school marketing.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to NLI Ceremonies07:25 Coordinating with Families and Coaches15:32 Celebrating Student-athletes21:54 Celebrating the Journey of Student-athletes27:26 Equity in Recognition: Celebrating All Athletes37:17 Memorable Moments: Personal Reflections on Signing Day

In this episode, Greg Vandermade, Dennis Nelson, and Scott Rosenberg discuss the intricacies of budgeting in public schools, particularly focusing on athletic departments. They explore the role of the business administrator, the process of determining financial needs for various sports, and the importance of community support through booster clubs. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in budgeting, including state funding cuts and the necessity of maintaining good relationships with financial administrators. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Public School Budgeting09:11 Determining Financial Needs for Sports18:26 Leveraging Community Support and Booster Clubs23:46 Challenges in Budgeting and Funding Cuts34:35 Cost-Cutting Strategies Without Compromising Integrity40:52 Advice for New Athletic Directors

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the intricacies of athletic budgeting with Kelly Dullard, the Associate Director of Athletics at Mater Dei High School. They explore the importance of a well-structured budget, the differences between public and private school budgeting, and the key components that contribute to a successful athletic program. Kelly shares his insights on tracking expenses, fundraising, and the necessity of planning for future needs, emphasizing the critical role of organization and transparency in the budgeting process. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Athletic Budgeting04:46 The Importance of a Well-Structured Budget11:54 Starting the Budgeting Process22:10 Key Components of Athletic Budgets30:53 Fundraising Success and Community Support34:23 Building Trust Through Transparency38:02 Navigating Budget Pitfalls41:41 Generating Additional Revenue45:16 Strategies for Budget Cuts49:30 Advice for New Athletic Directors

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg dive into the critical role of social media for athletic directors. They discuss how ADs can use social media to connect with their communities, engage with student-athletes, and promote their programs. The conversation covers strategies for maintaining consistency, navigating the dangers of social media, creating effective graphics, and managing crises. The hosts also provide valuable advice for new athletic directors looking to establish their online presence and measure their success in the digital landscape.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Fall Vibes02:45 Using Social Media to Connect with Communities06:17 Exploring Different Social Media Platforms09:34 Strategies for Engagement and Consistency14:04 Navigating the Dangers of Social Media19:05 Creating Effective Social Media Graphics26:28 Behind-the-Scenes Content and Engagement30:03 Crisis Management in Social Media34:57 Advice for New Athletic Directors39:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the essential preparations athletic directors must undertake for the winter sports season. They explore the differences in logistics, facility management, transportation, and health and safety protocols compared to other seasons. The conversation also highlights the importance of communication with coaches, parents, and students, as well as the challenges posed by regional variations in weather and sports offerings. The hosts emphasize the need for ADs to balance sports commitments with family activities during the holiday season and the significance of technology in managing events and ensuring safety.Chapters:00:00 Preparing for Winter Sports Season10:21 Logistical Challenges in Winter Sports21:21 Regional Variations in Winter Sports31:01 Balancing Sports and Other Activities40:29 Final Thoughts on Winter Sports Preparation

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg are joined by Atlanta Braves reporter for Bally Sports, Wiley Ballard, to discuss the transformative power of streaming for high school athletics.Wiley shares his journey broadcasting high school, collegiate, and professional sports, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the unique opportunities that streaming creates for students and fans.The conversation highlights how streaming not only enhances visibility for school events but also fosters a sense of community and pride among students, parents, and alumni. Wiley offers valuable insights for athletic directors and student broadcasters on streaming successfully, emphasizing the need for consistency, flexibility, and a willingness to learn various roles in broadcasting.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Streaming and Fan Engagement02:50 Wiley Ballard's Journey in Broadcasting06:31 The Impact of Streaming on Community Engagement15:41 Enhancing Fan Engagement through Streaming21:41 Accessibility and Connection in High School Sports26:14 Personal Stories Highlighting Streaming's Importance29:58 Comparing Streaming Across Different Levels35:30 Building Campus Community Spirit through Streaming38:32 Advice for Athletic Directors on Streaming47:04 Skills for Young Broadcasters56:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts