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Step into the Shoes of Athletic Director for a Day

ByBrad Hilliard
Athletic Director, K.T. and director for the day Avery M. prepping for the game

The 2025 Valley Catholic School Gala auction featured a fresh and exciting “Only at Valley” experience this year. VCHS Athletic Director, K.T. Emerson, offered an “Athletic Director for a Day” opportunity to a student in grade 5 or higher. Much like the highly anticipated “Principally Awesome for a Day” hosted by the elementary school, “Athletic Director for a Day” created a fun experience that showcased a career on campus – especially for a student who has an interest in athletics. K.T., being the fun and energetic leader she is, was more than ready for her apprentice’s full day of work.

For Avery M., a Valley Catholic School 5th grader, Thursday at school looked a little different from the rest of her classmates. When the clock struck noon, she headed over to the High School where she was properly adorned with her Athletic Director badge and fueled with the lunch of her choice. With the important items checked off, Avery was ready for an afternoon and evening of non-stop action and authentic Athletic Director experiences. 

“Avery was the perfect kind of kid to serve as the Athletic Director for a Day! She was easy-going, eager to help and ready to take on any task! Last night was a crazy chaotic night and she took everything in stride with a smile,” said K.T. about her understudy.

Avery M at white board getting prepared for games
Athletic Director K.T. and 5th grader Director for a Day Avery M, all smiles

As Athletic Director for a Day, Avery M: 

  • Helped design the Boys volleyball uniform
  • Made signage so the Westside Christian visitors knew where to park
  • Wrote a script for the halftime activities 
  • Plus many more exciting tasks

With five High School JV and Varsity basketball games, a half-time show and an “Alumni Night” raffle to announce, Avery was hustling from the start. “She was literally right there doing my job with me every step of the way,” said K.T.

5th grader Avery M m.c'ing the game for the evening
Avery M at white board checking off items completed
Avery M, at director's desk during director for a day evening
Here is what Avery M. had to say about her “Athletic Director for a Day” experience:
  • Did you ask your parents for “Athletic Director for a Day” or did they surprise you with it? They asked if I wanted to do it before they bid on it online and I said Yes!!!
  • What were your feelings going into the day? I was very excited because I know the Athletic Director, I’ve known her since I was little. She’s a very good family friend.
  • Will you share some of the tasks and activities that you engaged in throughout the day? I helped set up for all of the basketball games. This meant things like, pulling out the bleachers and placing corner protectors on them, making posters for locker rooms and the visiting teams, helping get concessions ready, and running the games with K.T. I also designed the boys volleyball jerseys and rode in the golf cart to chase the geese off the softball and baseball fields!
  • What is something you did not know was a part of being an Athletic Director? All of the details and various tasks that she does. She is very busy. We even helped a student find their shirt.
  • What aspect of being an Athletic Director do you think you would enjoy most? Running the games – setting up, announcing the players, being the DJ and helping the teams.
  • What was your favorite memory of the day? Spending time with K.T. and learning about all the things she does. I liked getting out of school early and eating lunch together. I really liked designing the boy’s volleyball uniforms.
  • Is there anything else you would like to share for students who might be interested in doing this next year?  It’s really fun. No one else is going to do it, I am!
Valiant girls basketball huddle prior to Westside Christian
Valiant boys basketball game vs Westside Christian; teammates assisting a player up from fall

The SSMO Foundation thanks Athletic Director, K.T. Emerson for her time preparing this fun experience and to Avery for sharing insights into her day. We can tell she had a blast, learned lots and made some great memories!

Keep your eyes open for the 2026 Gala on November 14, which will open up new “Only at Valley” experiences. ssmo.org/event/gala.

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