Success in Action: Advancing as an Administrator and Athletic Director
Ed Thompson is a graduate of OHIO’s online Master of Athletic Administration program and is now a USA Track and Field Level II coach for sprints, hurdles and relays. He also serves as director of golf, basketball and track and field for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) in Gainesville, Florida. We asked him about his experience in the program and how it better prepared him for his role in interscholastic athletics.
Why did you choose the MAA at Ohio University?
Thompson: I chose OHIO because it provided the opportunity to earn my MAA while maintaining my interscholastic sports career. I wanted to improve my career prospects by earning my master’s degree, and when my employer found out I was an OHIO student, I was promoted to athletic director.
How did the MAA program help you along your academic and career journey?
Thompson: I could draw on the experience of my instructors and classmates directly in my day-to-day work. I was also able to apply much of the organizational instruction and legal material in my position with FHSAA in organizing interscholastic athletics statewide. The risk management skills I gained have been especially helpful in organizing and facilitating state championship events. For example, Florida’s state track and field meet is one of the most challenging events to organize. I utilized skills directly from my MAA curriculum for the health and safety protocols, communication and collaboration efforts.
Tell me about some of your primary challenges as an athletic administrator and how the knowledge gained during the MAA program helps you address them.
Thompson: The most significant challenges I’ve experienced as an athletic administrator are related to difficult conversations, especially those involving staffing decisions at events and on campus. OHIO’s MAA program provided several avenues to work through those decisions while minimizing conflict and reaching a positive outcome for the event or program. My experience in the MAA program has guided me to the most optimal outcomes for the students and member schools.
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What makes your job rewarding, and what do you look forward to each season/year?
Thompson: Enhancing the opportunities for student-athletes is the obvious answer here. If I am providing the most fair and transparent opportunity for students to compete, I’ve done my job. OHIO’s MAA program helped me develop the ideas I have with respect to annual quantifiable professional goals. Reaching those goals keeps my internal fire burning for this profession and student-athlete success.
Describe a recent professional achievement or success, or share about a particular student or team that has made you proud to be a leader in interscholastic sports.
Thompson: I’d point to the ongoing changes I’ve been a part of with FHSAA. I am most proud of the progress and modernization in golf, basketball and track and field. While there is a ton to discuss in each sport, the success we’ve achieved is rooted in the development of relationships with all constituents, namely the state’s coaches, officials and athletic directors. Those relationships continue to support the forward movement of interscholastic athletics in Florida.
If you're interested in pursuing your MAA degree at OHIO, reach out to discover more. Our online MAA program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation and features a partnership with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), so you receive the industry-focused education you need to enter the next phase of your career. Our five decades of experience in sports education and industry-connected faculty ensure you graduate ready to make an impact as an athletic director in any K–12 institution.
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