Success in Action: Bridging the Gap in Gender Equality in Sports Programs
Jason Baseden is a graduate of OHIO’s Master of Science in Athletic Administration (MAA) program. He now serves as the Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he makes strides in promoting gender equality in sports. We asked him about his experience as a student and how the MAA’s curriculum helped him advance his career.
What is your academic and professional background, including any certifications you’ve earned?
Baseden: I graduated from Beaverton High School in Beaverton, Oregon, in 1990. I then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University in New York, where I was a four-year member and two-year team captain of the track team. I graduated from SJU in 1994.
My career began in television, where I worked in sales and marketing at Universal Television in Los Angeles from 1995 to 1999. After that, I joined the Discovery Channel in New York City, where I worked until 2003. During that time, I earned a certificate from the American Council on Exercise due to my growing interest in coaching and strength training.
In 2003, I moved to France to work on the Tour de France as a freelance professional for the American television market. I took on several other freelance roles in major sporting events, such as the French Open and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In 2004, I began coaching track and girls' basketball at the American School of Paris, where I worked until 2008. Next, I was the athletic director at the International School of Brussels in Belgium, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. After seven years in that role, I moved to the Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ, where I was the athletic director for five years.
Currently, I am in my fifth year as the director of athletics and physical education at Phillips Exeter Academy. I completed the master’s program at Ohio University in 2015.
Why did you choose the MAA at Ohio University?
Baseden: I chose the MAA program at Ohio University after thoroughly researching the top programs in the field. I was impressed by the number of alums who held prominent positions in athletic administration across the industry. Additionally, Ohio University's program is recognized as one of the pioneers in the field, if not the very first to offer this specialized focus.
Before enrolling, I spoke with someone from the program to understand how it could support my work as an athletic director in an international school setting. While some of the legal aspects of the coursework were specific to the United States, I found that much of the program's content was highly transferable and relevant to the challenges I faced as an international AD.
Since then, I’ve noticed a growing number of international athletic directors graduating from this program. I have personally recommended it to several colleagues, many of whom have since become alums.
Champion equality in sports!
How did the MAA program help you along your academic and professional journeys?
Baseden: My journey as an athletic director started five years before I embarked on the MAA program at OHIO. While I had considerable practical experience, the program validated much of what I had encountered and significantly enhanced my confidence and leadership skills. One course focused on managing different personalities. It has been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership. Today, I lead a department with 22 full-time direct reports and over 150 coaches, each bringing unique personalities and life experiences. The insights from that course continue to guide me in fostering a productive and cohesive environment where gender equality in sports leadership thrives. It deepened my understanding of how to motivate individuals, allowing me to empathize with and support them in ways that help us collectively achieve our department’s goals.
Furthermore, the advanced degree has played a critical role in my pursuit of higher leadership roles within athletic administration. In educational athletics, earning an advanced degree commands attention and respect, and I am confident that my resume garnered more interest as a result. This degree has opened doors to leadership opportunities in prestigious academic institutions.
Finally, one of the most enduring benefits of the program has been the relationships built, especially with faculty members like Aaron Wright, who continues to offer support. His ongoing engagement and willingness to discuss our work has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the mentorship and connection that has extended beyond the program.
What makes your job rewarding, and what do you look forward to each season/year?
Baseden: What makes my role as an athletic director truly rewarding is the profound impact our programs have on the lives of young people in a positive and healthy way. The benefits of interscholastic sports participation are vast and being able to contribute to this journey is incredibly fulfilling. I find great satisfaction in supporting coaches and witnessing their success in guiding their teams to excellence. The relationships formed on these teams are for life in many instances.
I also take pride in working at a school that brings together students from over 40 countries and more than 40 states, united by their passion for sports. This diversity creates a unique environment where students develop athletic skills and learn from one another’s diverse cultures, perspectives and ways of thinking.
Moreover, I enjoy ensuring that our students have access to the latest equipment and technology. I’m committed to providing our coaches with professional development opportunities that empower them to enhance the student-athlete experience.
Working at one of the pioneering institutions in high school sports, which helped shape American athletics, is a privilege. With alums like Amos Alonzo Stagg, who left a monumental legacy on football as the former coach of the International YMCA Training School, and being the birthplace of high school lacrosse, our school’s history is deeply rooted in athletic innovation. I am particularly proud of the school’s inclusive tradition, having had African American athletes on our football and track teams since the 1800s. This rich history and the daily opportunities to influence and uplift youth make my role deeply rewarding.
Describe a recent professional achievement or success, or share about a particular student or team that has made you proud to be an AD.
Baseden: When reflecting on my professional success stories, I often think about my positive influence on enhancing our students' experiences. One notable achievement was introducing the role of girls athletic administrator at our high school. I created this position two years ago, and the benefits were apparent almost immediately. The ability to collaborate with our GAA has allowed me to recognize things I might not have seen as a male and has taught me how to promote gender equality in sports.
We have placed a strong emphasis on promoting gender equality in sports within our athletic program, addressing some clear imbalances that had existed since Phillips Exeter's early days as an all-boys school from 1781 to 1971. With the establishment of the GAA position and through close collaboration, we have significantly improved the experience for our female student-athletes. We’ve hired highly qualified female coaches who serve as role models, upgraded uniforms and equipment to ensure equity and created an all-female team of equipment managers. Additionally, we now have a female head strength and conditioning coach, further reinforcing our commitment to gender equality in sports.
Beyond this, we have collectively succeeded in hiring exceptional coaches who have revitalized long-struggling programs. There is a renewed sense of energy on campus and more students than ever are trying out for our teams, reflecting the positive impact these changes have had on our athletic community.
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 (COSMA) 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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