For aspiring minority high school coaches, breaking into the game and rising through the ranks requires more than passion and playbooks. It demands purpose, persistence and the right connections.
At a recent event focused on empowering future coaches of color, seasoned educators and athletic leaders shared the keys to building a winning career both on and off the field.
At the heart of every winning program is leadership and for Houston ISD’s Senior Executive Director of Athletics Andre Walker that lesson came early, even before he held a title.
“I always heard the jokes, you know—‘you were a coach, but never a head coach,’” said Walker. “But every head coach first has to learn to lead.”
Mable Caleb, a former principal at Key Middle School, helped Walker see that leadership within himself.
“She saw something I didn’t,” said Walker. “She inspired me, guided me and showed me what true leadership looked like.”
The Legacy of Representation
That same foundation of influence is what Dr. Thomas C. Henderson, athletic director at Huston-Tillotson University, ties back to none other than Jackie Robinson, not as the MLB icon but as a college coach at Samuel Huston College in 1944.
“Coming into Huston-Tillotson, I didn’t want to be the coach who dropped the ball,” said Henderson. “Jackie Robinson’s legacy wasn’t just about breaking barriers in baseball. He laid the groundwork for leaders like me and I had to be ready to uphold that.”
Henderson’s passion for the profession began at Ellison High School, under Coach David Manley, who prioritized representation for a predominantly Black team by bringing in younger Black coaches. Henderson eventually became the first Black assistant coach in the program.
When players relate to their coaches, you get more buy-in. That’s how you build culture—and it’s not about you anymore, it’s about what you bring to the table.
Dr. Thomas C. Henderson
Winning Habits and Professional Standards
Nekisha Durham, athletic director at Waller ISD, shared five key behaviors minority coaches should embody: Show up early, add value, stay visible, build strong relationships and present yourself well. Hiring committees want more than good coaches; they’re looking for complete leaders.
“They want someone who can represent the district, drive its vision and elevate the program,” said Durham. “It takes a community to raise kids. If you’re coaching basketball, I hope you know more than just basketball players.”
Corey Stewart, principal at Fort Bend Dulles High School, echoed the need for visibility, not just in your sport, but across campus.
“If you’re a football coach, show up at swim meets or girls’ soccer games. Those students are just as important as the varsity quarterback,” said Stewart. “Visibility shows investment.”
Preparation Meets Opportunity
As Lamar CISD continues to grow rapidly—adding up to five new schools annually—the competition for coaching jobs grows, too. Dr. Julia Andrews, the district’s executive director of HR, stressed the importance of interviewing well.
“Do your interview, mind your business and wait for the call. The hiring team knows who they want,” said Andrews. “Many people are great on paper but freeze in interviews. You’re selling yourself. Know the panel, watch for their engagement and stay on topic.”
In Waller ISD, Durham’s team takes it further by requiring a presentation-style interview.
“We give them the athletic profile ahead of time, identify growth areas and expect a plan,” said Durham.
Responsibility, Not Just Recognition
When minority coaches step into leadership, Walker wants them to understand the shift in mindset.
“People think head coaches are to be served. But the higher you go, the more of a servant you become,” said Walker.
Durham also highlighted the importance of understanding district policies.
“We’re in a time where everyone can sue,” said Durham. “Leaders must know policy, communicate it and hold staff accountable.”
Shannon Rideout, Assistant Athletic Director for Fort Bend ISD, challenged coaches not to wait for the “perfect” job.
“The perfect job has 100 applicants. The tough job might only have five—that’s your shot,” said Rideout. “A Coach Carter movie is never made if he walks into the perfect situation. That movie was made because he worked in a less-than-ideal situation and turned that thing around.”
Dual Roles, Dual Expectations
Stewart reminded coaches that they’re not just athletic leaders—they’re academic team players too.
“You might have to choose between the field house and a lesson plan,” said Stewart. “We need coaches who do both, because students deserve both.”
He also emphasized professionalism, accountability and communication as essential hiring traits—qualities that apply well beyond sports.
Breaking Down Barriers and Building Each Other Up
Walker believes that access remains one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring minority coaches.
“When you get minority coaches in one room, learning from those already in leadership, that’s how the barrier gets broken,” said Walker.
Anthony Saincilaire, Boys Athletic Coordinator at Lakeview Centennial, agreed, urging candidates to go beyond networking.
“Don’t just connect at events—collaborate when you leave them too,” said Saincilaire.
Durham echoed that exposure itself is a barrier.
“You can’t be great at what you don’t know. Conferences, education, relationships—that’s how you elevate your coaching,” said Durham.
Rideout offered a powerful take on rejection: “I’ve had more nos than yeses, but I’ve learned rejection is God’s protection. Trust that closed doors are closed for a reason.”
Evolving With the Game
For Henderson, success means never standing still.
“You can’t be idle,” said Henderson. “You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
That discomfort pushed him to earn a master’s degree and later a doctorate from the University of Miami.
“I wanted to be in rooms where decisions were made,” said Henderson. “And to do that, I needed the ‘Dr.’ in front of my name.”
Purpose Through Patience
Rideout closed with a final reminder: passion plus patience equals purpose.
“Your path is yours,” said Rideout. “Stay driven, stay grounded and you’ll reach the place where your platform becomes a tool to transform lives.”
And for those who attended—like Taqueta Braxton, the athletic coordinator at Morton Ranch Junior High—the impact was immediate.
“Seeing a minority woman like Ms. Durham in that position… lit a spark,” said Braxton. “Sometimes you’re told you’re not ready. But hearing her speak gave me the confidence to keep going.”
