This week we continue our series of articles highlighting the many faces of leadership throughout the CHSAA membership. Our hope is that by taking a small glimpse into the window of their leadership background, you will gain a greater understand of why they are such strong advocates for the vision and core values of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
This week we are talking with Heather Nelson, Eaglecrest High School Athletic Director. Heather is in her 24th year in education, and her second year as an Athletic Director. With an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree from Lesley University, and her administrative license from Lamar University, Heather is among the very best when it comes to putting in the work to be the very best.
Tell us about your journey in education.
I taught Social Studies for 22 years, two years in Iowa and then 20 years at Eaglecrest until I moved to the Athletic Director position. I was a coordinator in Social Studies for 10 years. I coached softball for seven seasons in Iowa, then coached five seasons at Eaglecrest. I loved coaching and am so happy to be back into an athletics role, where I can support our coaches and athletes.
Did you participate in athletics or activities while in college?
I played Division I softball at the University of Northern Iowa, in the Missouri Valley Conference.
What do you love most about your role as the Athletic Director at Eaglecrest High School?
I love supporting athletes and coaches in what they love. Being on a court, pitch, course, mat, or field is what I LOVE doing! It is fun to see coaches and athletes, outside the classroom, representing Eaglecrest well, doing what they are passionate about.
What are some of the challenges you face as an AD?
People are very passionate about athletics, which is awesome! Things do get heated at times, with coaches, athletes, and parents. Navigating that can be challenging, but getting all parties to focus on what we all have in common, which is supporting student-athletes is what I always try to do. Having the hard conversations are necessary to keep our community together and our coaches, athletes, and parents on the same page.
What do you love most about Eaglecrest?
I love the amount of support we give to kids in our district. We serve such a diverse population in terms of culture, race, and socio-economic status. My values align with our district values, which is everyone deserves an opportunity to think, to learn, to achieve, and to care. We work hard to make this come to fruition in many ways, while helping to break down barriers that students might be facing. I also love that everyone has an opportunity to become a leader in some way, kids, and adults alike. Our students are the center of the district and in our decision-making process, and our district leadership team is sure to have all voices heard.
Talk to us about some of the people whom you consider mentors.
I feel so fortunate to have so many mentors in my life. My parents are great mentors to me, they have been married for 55 years and have shown me a great example of love, trust, friendship, and hard work. I had some excellent coaches that guided me through my athletic career. But, professionally, my first Social Studies coordinator at EHS, Jim Roome, was someone who hired me and stretched me as a teacher and as a leader. He taught me it was important to build young leaders and help young teachers to believe in themselves. Shane Snyder was one of my athletic directors as a coach, who taught me to listen, be as even as you can, and to never ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.
What is the significance of women serving in the Athletic Director role?
I love being a female athletic director! My profession is male dominant, as was my coaching career. I think it is important to give our female athletes role models, so they can see themselves in leadership roles. I looked up to so many women in my life as my role models, teachers, administrators, coaches, and family members that I want to be sure our young women know they can be leaders as well. Our school district has such strong women that I get to lean on and go to for advice and support, I feel very fortunate to have that.
What needs to be done to open doors for more women to be in your position?
I believe continuing to bring women together in our leadership roles to learn from and support is a great first step. I enjoyed the Many Faces of Leadership conference, and found it a great way to learn, grow, and support other women. Giving a space to discuss our roles, challenges we face and to have fun was a great way to spend a day. I am looking forward to future events like this.
What is one bit of advice you would share with young women entering a male-dominated profession?
Anyone can do this job; however, you must have a passion for it. Be yourself and don’t compromise your values. Always keep in mind why you went into education, and lead with that as your purpose.
Heather, thank you for taking the time to share your journey with us. The Eaglecrest community, the Cherry Creek School District, and the CHSAA membership are all well-served having you in the position you are in. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to education-based activity participation.