Sports

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 Patricia Barksdale, the athletic director at Midtown High School.

Q: What is your background in athletics, and how did that prepare you to become a leader/ athletic director?

A: I started in education in 2007. At that time, I coached football sideline cheer and competition cheerleading. I continued coaching cheer at Heritage High School in Conyers, Ga, through the 2017 football season. I started coaching girls’ soccer in the spring of 2013 as an assistant, and I took over as head coach in the spring of 2017.  I had an amazing mentor, Chad Suddeth, during my time as an assistant soccer coach. He took a job as the athletic director at Rockdale County High School in 2016, and then I took over the soccer program. Leading a top 10 program really taught me how to work with all stakeholders: student-athletes, parents, staff, and community partners. In 2020, I was hired as a special education teacher and the girls’ soccer coach at Midtown. When I arrived at Midtown, there were 21 girls in the soccer program. I was able to grow the program, and we had over 50 girls try out for the program this year. Leading two different programs taught me that there are different challenges everywhere you go, but if you keep the students first, you can excel as a leader. 

Q: What advice do you share with young women interested in pursuing leadership roles/ sports industry careers?

A: The most important advice I can give young women is to be true to yourself. Your individual hard work, dedication, and drive for success are what got you to the leadership level. I would also be transparent that it is hard at times, and you will feel like you need to do more work. But if you stay true to yourself and put the students or the mission of the organization first, then you are setting yourself up for total success. 

Q: Do you consider yourself a role model? And why is female mentorship so important in a male-dominated field?

A: I definitely consider myself a role model. I was first a role model/ mentor for all the young ladies I coached in cheerleading and soccer. I have always tried to hire women as assistants because I feel that we need to mentor and prepare young women to be in athletics, which is male-dominated. We also need to lift them up to be leaders as well. I’ve had wonderful mentors, male and female, but when I started to gain women mentors through athletics, I realized that they understand as a woman first, then as a leader.  I was elected to the City Council in Conyers, Ga, in 2017, and that’s when I really realized how important women mentors are. No one but other women knows the challenges we face as women.

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 bringing excellence to athletics for APS!

Meet Wendy Golston, the athletic director at Carver Early College.

Q: What is an accomplishment in your program that you are most proud of?

A: One of the accomplishments in Carver’s athletic program that I am most proud of is the resilience and perseverance of our student-athletes. Despite the challenges they may face in their personal lives and community outside of school, they continue to show up, dedicate themselves to their education, and give their all to their sports.

Q: Do you consider yourself a role model, and why is female mentorship so important in a male-dominated field?

A: Yes, I consider myself a role model. Female mentorship in a male-dominated field is crucial for several reasons including representation and inspiration. Seeing successful women in these roles provides inspiration and proof that growth in a male-dominated field is possible. Also, providing guidance through gender-specific challenges can assist with overcoming hurdles, including self-doubt. As female mentors, we are able to create a network of like-minded professionals who offer support, advocate for each other, and share opportunities for growth.

Q: What advice do you have to share with young women interested in pursuing leadership roles/ sports industry careers?

A: For young women interested in leadership roles or careers in the sports industry, build your confidence and voice. Speak up, share ideas, and trust your instincts. Always network and seek mentors, both male and female, in this profession and industry. Make sure you know the business side of sports. Go beyond the game and understand operations, analytics, and marketing. Most importantly, gain hands-on experience. Volunteering and internships can be great stepping stones to learning more about the industry. 

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 Alana Allen, the athletic director at Frederick Douglass High School.

Q: What is your background in athletics, and how did that prepare you to become a leader/ athletic director?

A: Coaching for me began at Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga, where I coached girls’ basketball at 18 years old. After graduating from Georgia State University,  I went on to teach mathematics and serve as a varsity assistant basketball coach at my alma mater, Stone Mountain High School. That was when I realized my purpose. After a few years in DeKalb, I joined the APS family and took a job at Harper-Archer, where I coached track and basketball. Being part of the back-to-back girls’ middle school basketball championship team fueled my desire for more. While still teaching mathematics and serving as the athletic director at Harper-Archer (now John Lewis Invictus Academy), I accepted the head varsity girls’ basketball coaching position at Frederick Douglass High School. The following year, I expanded my coaching responsibilities to include volleyball and girls’ track. In my third year coaching track, our girls’ 4×4 relay team won a state championship. Then, after four years of coaching basketball, we finally achieved what we had been working so hard for—we became state champions. Not only did we win, but we made history by securing back-to-back state championships, marking the first girls’ basketball back-to-back titles in APS history.

Leadership requires making tough decisions—ensuring the right coaches are in place, defining roles clearly, and sometimes reassigning responsibilities to best serve the team. Coaching each year sharpened my leadership skills and taught me the importance of resilience. Success did not come without scrutiny or doubt from others, but managing assistant coaches, parents, and athletes helped me develop the thick skin necessary for this profession.

All of these experiences have shaped me into the athletic administrator I am today. Every day presents an opportunity to learn and improve. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about having a clear vision, surrounding yourself with the right people, and ensuring that student-athletes and parents understand their roles in the program. My journey in coaching and athletics has been invaluable in preparing me to lead at the highest level.

Q: What advice do you have for young women interested in pursuing leadership roles or sports industry careers?

A: Young women aspiring to lead in sports must recognize their worth, trust their abilities, and refuse to be discouraged by the male-dominated nature of the industry. It’s essential to develop a strong presence, speak with authority, and actively seek opportunities to lead, whether in coaching, administration, operations, or executive roles. Finding mentors, both men and women, can provide guidance, open doors, and help navigate the challenges of leadership. Moreover, women supporting each other in these spaces—through mentorship, advocacy, and solidarity—amplifies their collective impact and helps shift the narrative, showing that the field is stronger and more effective when diverse voices are included at every level.

Continuous learning is key. Staying informed on industry trends, pursuing advanced certifications, and sharpening your leadership skills will help set you apart. Just as important, faith in a greater purpose and in your own journey can sustain you through obstacles and moments of doubt. The road to leadership in sports may be tough, with challenges like biases and resistance, but perseverance, preparation, and an unwavering belief in yourself will be your greatest assets.  

Gaining experience in different areas of athletics, continuously learning, and staying informed on industry trends will help build credibility and position women for leadership roles. Additionally, advocating for more representation and supporting other women in the field can create lasting change. Women supporting each other’s success is a powerful force for creating positive change in all fields, including athletic administration. By encouraging one another and celebrating each other’s achievements, women can help dismantle obstacles that may be present in male-dominated environments. This solidarity fosters a sense of community and empowerment, allowing women to share knowledge, offer mentorship, and inspire confidence in each other. When women work together to promote each other’s growth and success, they create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable space for future leaders.

While breaking into leadership may be difficult, faith in yourself, resilience, and a commitment to excellence will set you apart. Believe that you belong in the room, that your voice matters, and that your skills and passion are just as valuable as anyone else’s.

Q: What is an accomplishment in your program that you are most proud of?

A: One of the greatest accomplishments of our athletic program at Frederick Douglass High School is witnessing the smiles on our student-athletes’ faces when they defy the odds. Seeing them earn opportunities to continue their education—whether in college, trade school, or other career pathways—and ultimately graduate is what makes this program so special. Every scholarship earned and every life changed is a testament to the power of athletics in shaping futures.

The enormous number of college coaches visiting from all over the world is a direct reflection of the talent, dedication, and work ethic our athletes display daily. These young men and women embrace the challenge, push past obstacles, and commit themselves to excellence—on and off the court, track, or field. But our program is about more than just competition; it’s about discipline, accountability, leadership, and preparing students for the next chapter of their lives.

When spectators walk into our facilities, they immediately recognize how much we value athletics, from the pristine upkeep of our spaces to the championship culture we’ve built. Our facilities are more than just playing fields; they are places of growth, teamwork, and transformation. The banners hanging in our gym and the trophies on our shelves tell a story of perseverance and triumph, but the real victories are seen in the success of our athletes long after the final buzzer sounds.

At Frederick Douglass High School, athletics is a vehicle for opportunity. It’s about opening doors, building character, and instilling a lifelong commitment to excellence. We take pride in molding not just great athletes, but great individuals—future leaders, professionals, and change-makers. This program is a family, a movement, and a legacy in the making, and we will continue to strive for greatness in every aspect of what we do.