Athletics – Wheaton Academy Institute

Athletic Leadership

elevate your athletics

This track explores the multifaceted role of a high school Athletic Director in a Christian school, emphasizing leadership rooted in discipleship, vision, and operational excellence. Participants will learn how to develop mission-fit coaches, set long-term strategic goals, and manage the complex logistics that keep athletic programs running smoothly. Sessions will equip ADs to build trust with parents, foster effective communication across school departments, and promote athletics as a vital expression of the school’s mission. Through interactive workshops, attendees will gain tools to strengthen both the spiritual and organizational health of their athletic programs.

Please Note: Sessions for BPI 2025 are still being finalized. The sessions listed below are examples and may be subject to change, but they provide a preview of the types of learning experiences you can expect.

Who Should Join this Track?

Athletic Directors

Head of Schools

2025 sessions

Session #1: Monday June 23 9:15am

Aligning to Mission & the Cultural Impact of Athletics on the School

This opening session will discuss the correlation between the school’s mission, vision, and values and the alignment of your athletic program’s culture. We will also discuss hiring, branding, and a common language that coaches, athletes, and families share.

Presenter

Tony Woodall

Session #2: Monday June 23 11:00am

Coaches as disciples: The Living Curriculum Coach

Do you ask your coaches to disciple your athletes? This session will explore the tools and methods coaches can use to do so. We will also outline the importance of hiring and the meaning of a Living Curriculum coach and its importance in your program.

Presenter

Tony Woodall

Session #3: Monday June 23 1:30pm

Hiring and Evaluating Cultural Coaches: Tools & Culture

Coaches matter. Recruiting, Hiring, Training, and evaluating your coaches will determine the success of your athletic department. You can have the best facilities, best policies, and best admin team and still not be successful if your coaches on the front lines aren’t living out the mission of the school. In this session, we will explore hiring practices, professional development for coaches, the coach evaluation process, criteria, and tools.

Presenter

Tony Woodall & Dr. Gene Frost

Session #4: Monday June 23 3:15pm

Hot Topics & Q&A

We will use this session to open the discussion to hot topics and questions and answers among the cohort. Bring your issues and be ready to workshop solutions.

Topics may include:

Parent Programming
College Recruiting / NIL / NLI
New Trends in Technology
Booster Club Structure
Death of the Multi-Sport Athlete
Leadership Development / Captain Classes

Presenter

Tony Woodall & Dr. Gene Frost

Session #5: Tuesday June 24 9:00am

The Job of an Athletic Director

There are many aspects to the job of an Athletic Director from hiring and developing coaches, to development and maintaining the facilities. During this session, we will discuss these different aspects and explore how athletic programs can be best organized and managed.

Presenter

Dr. Phil Strzalka

Session #6:

Wheaton College & Wheaton Academy

We will use this session to open the discussion to hot topics and questions and answers among the cohort. Bring your issues and be ready to workshop solutions.