Ask the AD - Linda Mitchell-Holmes, National Academy Foundation
This summer, just like we did last summer, CSZ will be doing a segment on the WICKipedia entitled "Ask the AD". In this feature, we'll be conducting Q&A's with various athletic directors around Maryland to learn more about how different high schools run their athletic programs, and what to expect from them in the future.
Today we're featuring Linda Mitchell-Holmes from National Academy Foundation in Baltimore City, who recently retired! Linda spoke with us about a variety of topics, including what her advice would be to younger athletic directors that're just starting their careers in athletic administration!
On behalf of all of us from CSZ, we'd like to thank Linda for her many years of service towards providing an excellent environment for student athletes to compete!
County Sports Zone:How did you first become an athletic director with Baltimore City Public Schools?
Linda Mitchell-Holmes:My husband was a former athletic director at Northern High School and when that school closed, W.E.B. DuBois was one of the schools created in that building. My husband suggested that I take the position along with Mr. Robert Wade (Interscholastic Athletic Coordinator of Baltimore City Public Schools).
CSZ:How did you end up at National Academy Foundation?
LMH:I was recruited by the principal (Danielle Rembert) of the National Academy Foundation High School.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you first started as an AD?
LMH:There has been a lot of changes since I first started: the city's funding has decreased slightly, NAF does not have any home athletic fields, the gym is not a regulation high school facility, and the number of athletes has declined.
CSZ:What're a couple keys to running a successful athletic program?
LMH:The continued training, assisting student athletes for entrance to college, providing coaches with the skills to assist student athletes and finding qualified individuals for coaching positions.
CSZ:Do you have a favorite team, or season, from any of your schools during your time spent as an AD?
LMH:Yes, in fact, volleyball, basketball and wrestling teams because of the camaraderie, the progress of the skill level from the beginning and just the enjoyment of watching and supporting them at athletic contests.
CSZ:What have you enjoyed most about being an athletic director? What's the best part about the job?
LMH:The intense personal student/teacher relationship and assisting the student-athletes to be the best on and off the field and to become a better productive citizen.
CSZ:What advice do you have for any younger athletic directors who are just starting their careers in athletic administration?
LMH:Assisting the student-athlete to remember that "Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork".
CSZ:Have any plans for how you want to spend your retirement?
LMH:Traveling with my husband and spending time with my family and friends.
Today we're featuring Linda Mitchell-Holmes from National Academy Foundation in Baltimore City, who recently retired! Linda spoke with us about a variety of topics, including what her advice would be to younger athletic directors that're just starting their careers in athletic administration!
On behalf of all of us from CSZ, we'd like to thank Linda for her many years of service towards providing an excellent environment for student athletes to compete!
County Sports Zone:How did you first become an athletic director with Baltimore City Public Schools?
Linda Mitchell-Holmes:My husband was a former athletic director at Northern High School and when that school closed, W.E.B. DuBois was one of the schools created in that building. My husband suggested that I take the position along with Mr. Robert Wade (Interscholastic Athletic Coordinator of Baltimore City Public Schools).
CSZ:How did you end up at National Academy Foundation?
LMH:I was recruited by the principal (Danielle Rembert) of the National Academy Foundation High School.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you first started as an AD?
LMH:There has been a lot of changes since I first started: the city's funding has decreased slightly, NAF does not have any home athletic fields, the gym is not a regulation high school facility, and the number of athletes has declined.
CSZ:What're a couple keys to running a successful athletic program?
LMH:The continued training, assisting student athletes for entrance to college, providing coaches with the skills to assist student athletes and finding qualified individuals for coaching positions.
CSZ:Do you have a favorite team, or season, from any of your schools during your time spent as an AD?
LMH:Yes, in fact, volleyball, basketball and wrestling teams because of the camaraderie, the progress of the skill level from the beginning and just the enjoyment of watching and supporting them at athletic contests.
CSZ:What have you enjoyed most about being an athletic director? What's the best part about the job?
LMH:The intense personal student/teacher relationship and assisting the student-athletes to be the best on and off the field and to become a better productive citizen.
CSZ:What advice do you have for any younger athletic directors who are just starting their careers in athletic administration?
LMH:Assisting the student-athlete to remember that "Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork".
CSZ:Have any plans for how you want to spend your retirement?
LMH:Traveling with my husband and spending time with my family and friends.
| June 29th, 2017 | By: Wick Eisenberg |