“I don’t know what the hours are, I really don’t know what the pay is, I just know I can make a difference,” explained Jody Davis on why he was the best choice for Shadow Hills High School’s Athletic Director position.
Davis has been with Shadow Hills as the head wrestling coach but recently made the switch to Head Athletic Director. It was a big change. Last season, the varsity wrestling team made big achievements with multiple girls winning titles, and Kaylin Montano (‘24) placed seventh at state.
Stepping down as head coach – Athletic Directors in the district can’t be head coaches – was something he gave a lot of thought to. He considered multiple things before making his decision. Mostly his scope of influence and who would take over the wrestling team afterwards.
“The very first thing I thought about would be the scope of influence I have…by taking the Athletic Director job I ultimately have a scope of influence of about 800 athletes and around 100 coaches,” he said.
Davis explained that, without the former Assistant Wrestling Coach Patrick Marquez, he would not have stepped down as coach. Ultimately, it was his confidence in Coach Marquez.
“…fortunately I have Patrick Marquez as my assistant coach,” he pointed out. “[I] knew he would be capable to take over for me and if I did not have him, I would not have made the switch…”
Davis wants to see more students attend sporting events. He wants kids being kids and having fun. He informs students that these four years are what they make of them, and they have two choices: don’t care, or be involved and make memories.
“My number one goal as an Athletic Director here is to fill up the stands…not only go to the game but be a kid, have fun, yell, laugh, do dumb stuff, just be a kid.”
Taking on these big goals call for big plans. Davis plans to connect with students by being himself and showing he cares. His focus is on building relationships.
Davis is happy with the turnout at recent events. He has seen a good amount of students in the stands supporting different athletes. He was especially proud of the crowds at the first volleyball game and the annual Mayors Cup.
“I talked to probably 25 different groups that were having lunch,” he explained. “I didn’t invite them to a game because I think that would be fake. I just asked them how their year was going and honestly I think it’s just about relationships.”
