Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recognizes the vital contributions women have made to advancing our great nation. During Women’s History Month, we are honored to celebrate those women — the trailblazers of the past, the heroines of the present, and the torchbearers of the future. Did you know that APS has nine women serving as athletic directors and leading athletics programs across the district? Help us celebrate these women in leadership roles who are bringing excellence to athletics for APS!
Meet Charlotte Sanford, the athletic director at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy.
Q: What is your background in athletics, and how did that prepare you to become a leader/athletic director?
A: All four of my siblings played sports; one played in the NFL for 11 years. As a product of Atlanta Public Schools (APS), I participated in sports myself, which instilled in me the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Additionally, I coached APS middle school girls’ basketball for over 10 years, leading two different teams to back-to-back championships and earning multiple Coach of the Year honors. A quote I’ve always carried with me and shared with my team is: “The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to the ones who endure until the end.” This experience strengthened my coaching and program development skills and allowed me to mentor young athletes, helping them grow both on and off the court.
These experiences have prepared me to become an athletic director by equipping me with leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and a passion for student-athlete success. I understand the challenges and opportunities within school athletics, and I am committed to developing programs that support both athletic and academic excellence. My firsthand experience as a player and coach enables me to connect with athletes, coaches, and the community, ensuring a positive and impactful sports environment.
Q: What are some obstacles women have to overcome to become leaders in male-dominated areas?
A: Honestly, one of the biggest challenges is breaking outdated stereotypes. Even today, some people still assume leadership in sports should be a “man’s job,” so women often have to work twice as hard to prove they belong in those roles.
Networking is also a huge factor. A lot of leadership opportunities come from connections, and in male-dominated industries, women can sometimes be left out of important conversations and decision-making circles.
Then there’s the issue of work-life balance. Leadership roles, especially in athletics, require long hours, travel, and a lot of commitment. Women are often expected to juggle career and personal responsibilities in ways that men might not face as much pressure.
But the good news? Women are showing up, speaking up, and proving that they absolutely belong in these spaces. We’re seeing more female leaders breaking barriers, mentoring others, and changing the game. It’s not easy, but the more we push forward, the more we open doors for the next generation.
Q: What is an accomplishment in your program that you are most proud of?
A: One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of in my athletic department is building a culture of growth, inclusivity, and excellence for both our student-athletes and coaches. We’ve worked hard to increase student participation in sports, ensuring that every athlete, regardless of skill level, has access to quality coaching, valuable resources, and opportunities to grow, not just as athletes but as individuals.
Another major success has been strengthening the connection between athletics and academics. We prioritize supporting our student-athletes in the classroom, helping them stay on track and preparing for life beyond sports. At the end of the day, we’re not just developing competitors, we’re shaping well-rounded individuals ready for success beyond high school.
Seeing the impact of these efforts, more student engagement, stronger team performance, and overall program growth has been incredibly rewarding. It proves that when you invest in student-athletes the right way, you create real, lasting change. That’s what fuels my passion for athletic leadership and keeps me committed to building programs that truly make a difference.
Discover more from APS Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
