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 Gaynell Troy, the athletic director at Herman J. Russell West End Academy.
“While Women’s History Month in March is a dedicated time for recognition, it’s crucial to emphasize that celebrating and acknowledging the contributions of women should be an ongoing, year-round effort.”
—Gaynell Troy
Q: What is your background in athletics, and how did that prepare you to become a leader/athletic director?
A. I was a former cheerleader, baseball player, basketball player, and a stand-out high school track and field athlete who attended a Division 1 Track and Field program on a track scholarship. I took those experiences seriously and made a commitment to sharing what I learned with the next generation of athletes as a coach. I coached cheerleading, football, girls’ and boys’ soccer, girls’ and boys’ track and field, and girls’ flag football, and in 2014 was named DeKalb County’s Track & Field Coach of the Year.
Those experiences also helped me develop resilience and perseverance, which prepared me with significant mental fortitude to face potential biases, stereotypes, and lack of representation in a male-dominated field. I ensured that I maintained strong communication skills so that I was being heard and respected in spaces where my voice might be marginalized. I successfully navigated male-dominated environments while building strong relationships with allies and mentors, regardless of gender, and kept my athletes at the forefront while navigating these spaces.
Q: What advice do you have to share with young women interested in pursuing leadership roles/sports industry careers?
A: Some advice for young women aspiring to pursue leadership roles and careers in the sports industry is to be passionate and knowledgeable and have a genuine enthusiasm for sports. Build a strong foundation, focus on your education, and develop relevant skills that can be utilized across the industry. In addition, seek mentorship and build your network. Connect with professionals in the sports industry, both men and women. Remember that the path won’t always be easy, so be sure you cultivate resilience and grit. Be prepared for challenges, setbacks, and competition. Lastly, develop resilience, learn from your mistakes, and maintain a persistent and determined attitude.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share or state about celebrating Women’s History Month?
A: While Women’s History Month in March is a dedicated time for recognition, it’s crucial to emphasize that celebrating and acknowledging the contributions of women should be an ongoing, year-round effort. Ultimately, Women’s History Month serves as an important reminder to celebrate the incredible contributions of women, to learn from their experiences, and to commit to building a more equitable and just future for all. I am thankful for all the trailblazers who paved the way for women like me. A huge shout-out to my sorors, the trailblazing women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
