GADA November Newsletter

VOLUME 19 | NUMBER 16 | NOVEMBER 2026

The GADA Conference returns to the "Classic City" of Athens, Georgia, from March 12th–14th, 2027. As the premier event for athletic administrators across the state, it's your opportunity to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and gain actionable insights to elevate your athletic programs.

Whether you're a seasoned AD or just starting, this event is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge for success. You won't want to miss this event! Register for the 2027 Conference now.

SECURE YOUR SPOT!

KEVIN GROOMS, CMAA

PRESIDENT OF THE GADA

LEADING WITH INTENTION

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear GADA Family,

November reminds us of the importance of gratitude. I still get excited walking into a stadium or gymnasium and feeling the energy of high school athletics, and over the years I’ve grown even more thankful for the people working behind the scenes to make it happen. This season, I challenge each of you to reach out to a colleague, mentor, or coach who has made a difference in your journey. Gratitude is not simply something we feel; it is something we should demonstrate.

To everyone who has supported our Broyles Foundation for Alzheimer’s campaign, thank you. We are pushing toward our $100,000 goal, and the campaign closes November 16. Let’s make one final push and show what Georgia athletic administrators can do when we are ALL IN.

I also encourage you to make plans to attend the NIAAA National Conference in Phoenix. Georgia, let’s SHOW UP and SHOW OUT!

On behalf of GADA, I wish you and your families a safe, restful, and blessed Thanksgiving. Remember, leadership is not about the recognition we receive, but the difference we make in the lives of others.

ALL IN FOR THE WIN!

This is a shortened version of this month’s President’s Message. Read the full letter here.

GADA TODAY

SHE COACHES, TEACHES, & RUNS THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT (HERE'S HOW).

with

Dr. Candice Roberson

Westside High School | Athletic Director

WATCH HERE >>

ATHLETIC BUSINESS

GAME CHANGERS:

Alverno College Boosts Enrollment by Creating Additional Women's Sports Teams

Audrey Lee

READ HERE >>

NFHS COURSE SPOTLIGHT

COMMUNICATING WITH TODAY'S STUDENTS

When coaches communicate effectively, teams perform better, learn faster, and grow together. Communication is the central mechanism coaches use to shape the interscholastic athletic experience and establish a positive team culture.

VIEW MORE HERE >>

NIAAA COURSE SPOTLIGHT

LTC 603:

BUILDING ATHLETIC PROGRAM ALIGNMENT IN K-12 SCHOOL SYSTEMS

This course helps athletic administrators align sports programs across the K-12 educational model and community-based programs. Through networking and hands-on activities, participants gain essential tools they can bring home and use right away. The course focuses on identifying the building blocks for a “pyramid of success” that carries education-based and community-based athletic programs from kindergarten through high school, giving student-athletes aligned skill development and core values. The goal goes beyond developing athletes and winning: it is to support the “whole child” and define true success, including character, integrity, and leadership for every stakeholder.

VIEW MORE HERE >>

GADA INCLUSION SPOTLIGHT

November brings several important observances that invite athletic directors to reflect, educate, and lead with intention. These commemorations highlight the importance of visibility, equity, and belonging—core values that help create inclusive athletic programs for all students.

National Native American Heritage Month

Honors the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native peoples.

All Saints' Day – Nov. 1

A Christian observance honoring saints and faithful people who have died.

All Souls’ Day – Nov. 2

A Christian observance dedicated to remembering and praying for the faithful departed.

Diwali – Nov. 8

The Festival of Lights, celebrated in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions, commonly symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Remembrance Sunday – Nov. 8

Honors members of the armed forces and others who died in military conflicts.

Interfaith Week – Nov. 8-15

Promotes understanding, cooperation, dialogue, and positive relationships among people of different religions and beliefs.

Birth of Báb – Nov. 10

A Bahá’í holy day commemorating the birth of the Báb, the herald of the Bahá’í Faith.

Birth of Bahá’u’lláh – Nov. 11

A Bahá’í holy day celebrating the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, founder-prophet of the Bahá’í Faith.

International Day for Tolerance – Nov. 16

Promotes respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the world’s cultures, beliefs, forms of expression, and human diversity.

Chhath Puja – Nov. 15-18

A Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun, marked by prayer, gratitude, purification, and family devotion.

Anti-Bullying Week – Nov. 16-20

Raises awareness of bullying and encourages kindness, respect, safety, and inclusive school and community environments.

UK Disability History Month begins – Nov. 19

Marks the beginning of a month recognizing disabled people’s history, achievements, experiences, rights, and equality efforts.

International Men's Day – Nov. 19

Recognizes the positive contributions of men and boys and promotes conversations about well-being, healthy relationships, and gender equality.

Transgender Day of Remembrance – Nov. 20

Honors transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence and calls attention to safety, dignity, and equality.

Kartik Purnima – Nov. 24

A sacred full-moon observance in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions, marked by worship, reflection, and religious celebrations.

Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Birthday – Nov. 24

Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.

Day of the Covenant – Nov. 26

A Bahá’í holy day honoring the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and the unity of the Bahá’í community.

Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá – Nov. 28

A Bahá’í holy day commemorating the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a central figure in the Bahá’í Faith.

NOVEMBER'S BOOK

RECOMMENDATION

SETTING THE TABLE

75% of all new restaurant ventures fail, and of those that do stick around, only a few become icons. In this landmark book, Danny Meyer shares the lessons he learned developing the dynamic philosophy he calls Enlightened Hospitality. The tenets of that philosophy, which emphasize strong in-house relationships as well as customer satisfaction, are applicable to anyone who works in any business. Whether you are a manager, an executive, or a waiter, Danny’s story and philosophy will help you become more effective and productive, while deepening your understanding and appreciation of a job well done.

PURCHASE HERE >>

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AD INSIDER

THE PROCESS MATTERS WHEN HIRING COACHES

with Kyle LeMieux

Waukesha West High School (WI)

Watch as Kyle LeMieux explains why having a thoughtful, intentional process matters when hiring coaches. From identifying the qualities needed to lead a program to evaluating candidates and making decisions that support the department's long-term goals, a strong hiring process can make a lasting difference. Kyle shares insight into the importance of approaching coaching hires with purpose and consistency, showing how athletic administrators can make more informed hiring decisions and build coaching staffs that strengthen their athletic programs.

VIEW MORE HERE >>

NIAAA DIRECTOR ROUNDTABLE

AD ROUNDTABLE WELCOMES

JON GORDON

IN NOVEMBER

The AD Roundtable has partnered with the NIAAA! This is great news and will expand the reach of the Roundtable to the inboxes of over 16,000 athletic leaders across the country! Additionally, it will broaden the scope of great guests and resources we will be able to give back to you, the AD! This month, we are excited to welcome Brian Kight as our guest at the AD Roundtable.

VIEW MORE HERE >>