High school athletics has a new look - High school District Athletic Director Matthew Shellenberger

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Shellenberger, District Athletic Director at Piedmont Public Schools in Oklahoma, to explore the realities of leading an entire athletic program from the top.With years of experience shaping student-athletes and supporting coaches across multiple sports, Matthew shares his journey into athletic administration, the challenges and rewards of the role, and the leadership values that guide him. We also dive into the mental side of sports—not just for athletes, but for leaders—discussing how worry and doubt can creep into our lives, what to do when it feels overwhelming, and how to build a mindset that thrives under pressure.Whether you’re a young athlete, coach, or someone passionate about sports leadership, this conversation will leave you with powerful lessons on resilience, perspective, and purpose. Topics covered in this episode:* Matthew’s path to becoming a district athletic director* Overseeing athletic operations at the school district level* Leading and supporting coaches & teams* The mental battles leaders and athletes face* Practical steps for overcoming worry and doubt