While I’ve had several months to prepare for my new role as San Antonio Sports’ President & CEO, I’ve been thinking about it since the 2004 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. I was part of a local delegation spending long hours in Long Beach, CA promoting San Antonio which would host the 2005 championship and would also be my first time leading the local organizing committee. Dr. Susan Blackwood was by my side the entire time. As San Antonio Sports’ executive director who had a background with the NCAA, she knew everyone, so I followed her around for introductions and any moment of organic osmosis. Late one day, she turned to me and said, “I can see you taking over for me one day and leading our organization into the future.”
Susan doesn’t remember the comment or conversation, but I never forgot it. She saw the passion I’ve always had for San Antonio Sports and our community. As a country kid who grew up playing basketball and tennis in Uvalde, I was expected to move back home to work for our family farming business. But the power of sport had a different calling for me.
Since the announcement in June, I’ve been asked by so many what my plans are for the organization and my answer is always “to not mess up.” As San Antonio Sports approaches its 40th anniversary, I am honored to be one of its select few appointed leaders. I’ve learned so much from Bill Hanson, Susan Blackwood and Russ Bookbinder; and more from staff, volunteers and committee members. So why would I come in and change something that is already successful, highly-respected and doing amazing things in our community every day?
I have lofty goals and a vision for our next chapter, including putting a greater emphasis on community sports facilities. It’s time for San Antonio to catch up and that won’t happen without a larger conversation and the right people at the table. But I would be remiss if I didn’t honor the legacy of how we got here and recognize that our organization is in a strong position. As our world continues to evolve with new opportunities, new technology, a sports scene that changes overnight, and diversity and inclusion at the forefront, I can promise that this year will bring some timely and subtle changes to a formula that has worked for decades. Game on!