NIAAA Workshop Series: Guiding Coaches Through Adversity with Don Newberry, CMAA (OH) and Lisa Gingras, CMAA (NH) Artwork

ADInsider Podcast

High School athletics is one of the best classrooms for developing future leaders in society. The ADInsider interviews Athletic Directors and industry experts to help share experiences, advice, and perspectives on how to avoid issues, innovate the current model, and ultimately create the best possible learning environment for High School athletes. If you are passionate about High School athletics and want to hear how others in the industry are finding solutions to their challenges this podcast is for you!

All Episodes

ADInsider Podcast

NIAAA Workshop Series: Guiding Coaches Through Adversity with Don Newberry, CMAA (OH) and Lisa Gingras, CMAA (NH)

December 05, 2025 • ADInsider • Season 2 • Episode 7

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and AD Insider have partnered to showcase specific, important topics for this school year, designed to help your athletic department excel. Join us for multiple episodes of the NIAAA Workshop Series!

THIS episode showcases a session from LAST Year's NADC Conference! Make sure you check out the upcoming LIVE workshops happening in Tampa at this year's 56th National Athletic Directors Conference. Check out the 2025 Workshop Schedule Here.

Episode #3, presented by Concordia University Irvine: Guiding Coaches Through Adversity

Challenges: Coaches face tougher student behavior, parent pressure, and rising stress.
Leadership: ADs must respond with calm, clarity, and emotional intelligence.
Culture: Strong expectations / support systems reduce conflict and burnout.
Communication: Listen early, speak clearly, and follow through consistently.
Empathy: Understanding / connection builds trust with coaches.
Engagement: Sharing experiences strengthens programs and problem-solving.

Workshop Featured Experts:

Don Newberry, CMAA: Currently the District Athletic Director at New Richmond Exempted Village School District (OH) -- An NIAAA-recognized CMAA, Mr. Newberry previously served as AD at Shroder High School, contributing to facility upgrades and the Quality Program Award.
Lisa Gingras, CMAA: Currently the District Athletic Director at Nashua School District (NH) -- 2024 Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award recipient and former NIAAA Board Member. Recognized for outstanding leadership and service in interscholastic athletics.

---------------------------------

The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org.

Support the show