AD 360

AD 360

by PlayOn Sports
Season 1
This AD Started Using AI in His Job… It Changed Everything
AI is evolving fast, and athletic directors are already finding practical ways to use it to save time, reduce stress, and improve communication. In this episode of AD360, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg talk with Shaka Johnson, Athletic Director at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in Michigan, about how he’s using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gamma, Otter, and more in his daily workflow. Shaka shares real examples of using AI for parent complaint resolution, email triage, coach evaluations, scheduling, social media content, presentations, student-athlete development, and even personal productivity.
Before You Step in as a New AD, Listen to This (AD 360)
Stepping into a new role as an Athletic Director isn’t just about making changes—it’s about listening, building trust, and setting the right foundation. In this episode of AD360, we’re joined by Jeremy Eubank, AD at Prince Edward County High School, who shares real-world insights on leading through transition. From establishing non-negotiables to building relationships and creating early wins, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for any AD entering a new environment.
How Athletic Directors Can Showcase Their Athletes and Strengthen their Brand
In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg interview Steve Montoya from MaxPreps to explore how athletic directors can build program identity, enhance media relationships, and increase visibility for their athletes. Discover actionable strategies to elevate high school sports programs and attract media and recruiting attention.
How a Great Athletic Director to Coach Relationship Unlocks Your Program's Potential
In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg talk with Brandon Derrick, head football coach at Frederica Academy in Georgia. They discuss the vital relationship between coaches and athletic directors, the importance of time management, and the evolving dynamics of coaching through analytics. Derrick emphasizes the need for open communication, the value of analytics in coaching, and the significance of creating a culture of excellence within athletic programs. He also shares insights on budgeting, resource allocation, and the importance of teaching life lessons through sports. Chapters 01:57 Building Relationships: Coaches and Athletic Directors 05:54 The Importance of Time Management in Coaching 09:00 Evolving Coaching Strategies and Team Dynamics 11:57 Creating a Culture of Success in Athletics 14:57 Resources and Support for Athletic Programs 19:59 Budgeting and Financial Strategies in Sports 26:07 The Importance of Philanthropy in Sports Programs 27:02 Leveraging Analytics for Coaching Efficiency 38:49 Evolving Coaching Approaches and Student Development 48:03 Supporting Coaches: The Role of Athletic Directors
AD 360 Live From NADC in Tampa
Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg are live at the 2025 NADC Conference in Tampa, breaking down the event. They cover the energy of the event, common themes, social events taking place, and general advice for an AD on how to make the most out of their experience at this trade show.
Building New Athletic Directors
In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of building a succession plan in athletic administration with guest John DiColo. They explore the qualities of future leaders, the significance of mentorship, and the need for motivation and support in developing athletic directors. The conversation also highlights the balance between leadership responsibilities, the value of networking, and the impact of community involvement. Additionally, they discuss resources for aspiring ADs, trends shaping the profession, and the importance of exit strategies for career planning.
National Athletic Directors Conference Preview
In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss strategies for athletic directors to maximize their experience at the upcoming NIAAA conference. They cover essential topics such as networking, choosing breakout sessions, and navigating the vendor hall. The conversation highlights the importance of planning, building relationships, and leveraging the diverse perspectives of both new and experienced athletic directors to foster professional development and collaboration within the field.
Fan Engagement for High School Athletics
In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of fan engagement in high school athletics with guest Brady Pond, the athletic director at Westwood High School in Arizona. They explore various strategies for building community connections, maintaining engagement throughout the year, and the role of branding in creating a positive atmosphere for student athletes and fans alike. Brady shares insights on how to create memorable events, the significance of social media, and the importance of collaboration among athletic directors.
Importance of Branding for High School Athletic Programs
Summary In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of branding in high school athletics with guest Leo Lopoz from De La Salle High School. They explore the evolution of De La Salle's brand, the significance of visual identity, and the need for consistency across various platforms. The conversation also covers community engagement, measuring branding success, and the future of athletic branding in an ever-changing landscape.
Data Informed Decision Making
In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the evolving role of data in athletic departments, particularly for athletic directors. They explore how data from ticket sales, streaming platforms, and social media can inform decisions, enhance fan engagement, and improve overall program performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing data-driven insights with instinct and experience, while also addressing common pitfalls in data usage and the emerging tools that can aid in data collection and analysis.
1 of 4