Celebrating Hug-an-Athletic Director Month at Great Hearts

It is January, which means the role of an athletic director (AD) at Great Hearts becomes a challenge as they tackle the busy activity calendars at each of our academies. Jon Rickey, the Arizona Network Director of Athletics, describes January as a whirlwind of activity, juggling responsibilities across multiple sports with dedication and commitment.

Great Hearts currently boasts an impressive and growing roster of 1,022 high school athletes and 1,443 middle school athletes engaged in winter sports. The diversity of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, and softball across various age groups, creates a dynamic and demanding environment for ADs. Unlike the regular rhythm of fall season sports like football, the winter sports season presents ADs with a jigsaw puzzle of schedules, often stretching their workdays into late-night hours.

Rickey recalls his time as AD at Glendale Prep, humorously noting that his son’s query about his frequent absence was met with the standard reply, “Because it’s January!” This month, unofficially, but affectionately dubbed “Hug-Your-AD” Month, shows our appreciation for the extraordinary time and effort poured into their roles annually.

Rick Watmore, Athletic Director at Great Hearts Anthem knows the challenges that January brings all too well, with over 12 years at Great Hearts under his belt. “January is by far the most challenging month of the year,” he said. “High school basketball and soccer games account for 84 games. Along with middle school’s 60 games with tennis, soccer, baseball, and softball, that’s a grand total of 144 games. Also, the rescheduling of games in January are usually a mess due to the rain.”

“January feels like a nonstop whirlwind,” noted Carl Wunsch, Athletic Director at Great Hearts Roosevelt. “With home games nearly every night, multiple sports in full swing, and limited space for practices, balancing schedules becomes a daily challenge. The constant juggle of athletes, families, and program needs often feels like playing constant catch-up. Yet, despite the chaos, there is a reward in seeing teams develop, athletes succeed, and a program grow.”

Rich Galewski, Athletic Director at Maryvale Prep agrees with his colleagues that there are peaks and valleys in his profession, comparing the tireless month to metaphorically climbing a mountain. “Where you can see the top of the mountain, but your legs are tired and your all out of water,” he added.

Galewski also believes this point in the winter season can be equally challenging for coaches, athletes, and families, stating their rhythm is often thrown off with school closures and holidays popping up in the middle of getting into the grind of practices and games. “Patience and perseverance are really tested in these winter weeks. As a competitive athlete, rest and relaxation are important but should not be the standard. There is a whole second half to the winter sport season, so we encourage personal and team goals to be centered.”

In every profession, there are periods when the workload intensifies, demanding extra dedication and resilience. For our athletic directors, January represents the peak of challenge. It’s a time that calls for understanding, support, and perhaps a gesture of gratitude for their relentless spirit and unwavering commitment to our student athletes.

As we get through these bustling days and transitions from one season to another, let’s take a moment to appreciate our ADs. Their dedication and selflessness are what enable our athletes to thrive and excel, shaping both their games and their lives.

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