The Many Faces of CHSAA Leadership – Lindsay Yost

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.

Today, we talked with first-year Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Skyline’s Lindsay Yost. Lindsay is not a stranger to education, as she is in her 19th year, having served as a classroom teacher prior to accepting the role of building administrator. This is the interview you didn’t know you needed, but Lindsay’s depth, honesty, and love for this profession will help you to understand what it means to be an educator.

Can you share your journey in education with us?
My journey in education has been both comprehensive and deeply rewarding. I embarked on my educational career initially in the classroom setting. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with a focus on Health Promotion and Wellness from Western State College of Colorado, I began as a classroom instructor for Secondary Physical Education and Health. This role spanned across different institutions, namely The Academy in Westminster and Fort Lupton Middle School. I dedicated several years in this capacity, embedding literacy and core knowledge into my lessons, with a special focus on promoting holistic wellness, physical attributes, and the nurturing of social skills in alignment with the set curriculum.

While I was deeply rooted in classroom instruction, my commitment to enhancing the educational environment extended beyond it. I served as a representative for District Health and Physical Education Standing Committees and was an active part of the FLMS Instructional Leadership Team. My experiences also encompassed substitute teaching across various districts between 2004 and 2006, further refining my teaching methodologies and bolstering my passion for student success. While teaching remained a core part of my professional identity, my journey into administrative roles began in earnest when I pursued higher academic qualifications. After obtaining my Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science – Sport Administration, I went on to achieve an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Regis University.

This academic progression paved the way for my tenure as an Athletic Director at Windsor Charter Academy, where I was instrumental in coordinating athletic programs, supervising and mentoring staff, and establishing foundational practices, policies, and initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the institution’s athletic framework. Some of these initiatives include attaining CHSAA membership, founding the Foothills League, and developing comprehensive emergency action and game day management plans.

Additionally, my commitment to education, particularly in the realm of athletics, is evident through my memberships and leadership roles in several committees, including the CHSAA Track & Field Advisory Committee, CHSAA New Member School Advisory Committee, and CHSAA CLOC committee, among others. I’ve also dedicated myself to the professional development of my peers by coordinating grant-funded programs and contributing to the creation of new course content.

Originally, my aim was to carve out a career in Collegiate Athletic Administration. Yet, the path of secondary education drew me in and ultimately led me to the position I hold today. My undying passion for working with children, coupled with my unwavering determination to make a significant impact and my innate leadership skills, have collectively steered my journey. Each experience has been invaluable, deeply enriching my philosophy and approach to education. I cherish these experiences for guiding me through this fulfilling trajectory.

What sports did you participate in during your college years?
In my college years at Western State Colorado University, I had the incredible opportunity to participate on the Track and Field Team. I took on the challenging role of a heptathlete, which was both demanding and rewarding. In addition to my athletic commitments, I served as the Student Government Athletic Ambassador. This position provided me with a unique vantage point, enabling me to bridge the gap between athletes and the student government, ensuring that the voices and needs of athletes were represented.

My involvement didn’t stop there. I was privileged to work directly under the Athletic Director, where my responsibilities ranged from setting up volleyball nets for games to the visually engaging task of painting the iconic “W” on the grass football field in time for homecoming. Each task, no matter how big or small, gave me a profound appreciation for the effort that goes behind the scenes in ensuring every athletic event is a success.

Being a Mountaineer was not just about the sports or the positions I held; it was about the community, the shared spirit, and the collective strive for excellence. It’s an experience that has shaped me and one I look back on with immense pride and gratitude.

What do you love most about being the Athletic Director at Skyline High School?
At the heart of my role at Skyline High School is the Activity Ambassadors program, which I deeply cherish. This inclusive initiative represents every facet of our student body, from athletics to clubs. What stands out most is the unparalleled opportunity it offers students for holistic learning and leadership development. Witnessing our students transform and elevate their leadership skills through this program is profoundly rewarding. Leadership isn’t just a school trait; it’s a life skill. By nurturing our Student Activity Ambassadors, we’re cultivating future leaders who will not only uplift our school’s spirit but will also leave a lasting impact in the broader community. Every day, their passion and growth inspire me, and being a part of their journey is an absolute privilege.

What do you love most about living and working in your school community?
What I cherish most the Longmont community, is genuinely the tight-knit, neighborly feel that it exudes. I’ve resided here for 8 years, and every moment has been deeply enriching. Living just down the street from the Skyline Campus, my commutes are often via bike. There’s a unique joy in being able to serve a community in which I live and being a familiar, friendly face to the students even outside the school environment.

I must ask you about mentors. Can you tell us about a mentor in your life?
One of my mentors growing up was Kyle Graff, retired athletic Director at South Park high school. Growing up in Mancos, Colorado, Mr. Graff was my history teacher, track and field coach, and one of my biggest encouragers. What an amazing experience getting to work with him as an adult. it is people like Mr. Graff that can attribute to why I do what I do today!

What impact has Title IX had on you personally, and on your profession?
Title IX has had a profound impact on both my personal journey and my professional sphere. Its significance runs deep, rooted in the early experiences shared within my family, which have undoubtedly shaped my path.

Personally, the influence of Title IX is intertwined with my admiration and gratitude for my mother, Cathy. My mom was not just my cheerleader; she was the embodiment of resilience and the spirit of breaking barriers. As a member of the pioneering group of young women in Mancos, Colorado, in 1972, she seized the newfound opportunity to participate in girls’ sports, brought about by the enactment of Title IX. This act opened doors, broke age-old biases, and started a revolution of recognizing and appreciating female athletes.

My mom’s passion and enthusiasm for sports were not just confined to her; they spilled over, shaping my formative years. Whether it was a track meet, a marching band competition, or a volleyball game, she was my constant, cheering me on, celebrating my triumphs, and comforting me during setbacks. Beyond the stands and the applause, she imparted the crucial lesson that with determination and the right opportunities, there are no ceilings to what one can achieve.

Professionally, the legacy of Title IX reverberates even today. The teachers from Mancos, who were at the forefront of the movement for girls’ sports, continued their mission of empowerment long after its inception. By the time I went through high school, some of them were still actively teaching, becoming beacons of encouragement and sources of inspiration for us. Their commitment to fostering an environment where girls could thrive in sports was palpable. I felt privileged to be enveloped in such a supportive ecosystem and, in some ways, be a continuation of the legacy they began in 1972.

In essence, Title IX is more than just a legislative act to me. It’s a symbol of progress, a testament to the resilience of countless women who dared to dream, and a beacon of hope for future generations. Through my mother’s journey and my own experiences, I’ve come to understand its profound significance, not just in the realm of sports but as a marker of societal progress, ensuring that gender does not limit one’s aspirations and achievements.

What is one bit of advice you would share with young women entering a male-dominated profession?
Navigating a male-dominated profession as a young woman can undoubtedly present its set of challenges. However, it’s crucial to remember that it’s also ripe with opportunities to make a mark and effect change. My foremost piece of advice to young women stepping into such an arena would be: Embrace your individuality and harness your strength.

Confidence is key. Walk into every room, every meeting, every opportunity, believing in your capabilities. This self-assurance not only sets the tone for how you’re perceived but also impacts how you navigate challenges and opportunities.

While it’s essential to be self-reliant, seeking mentorship can be a game-changer. Connect with those who have journeyed before you, both men and women, to gain insights, guidance, and support. Mentors can provide invaluable perspective, helping you navigate the intricacies of the profession.

Becoming an active member of professional organizations and investing time in networking can provide not just learning but also a sense of camaraderie. These networks often become a support system, a place for brainstorming, and sometimes, a source of opportunities.

A dedication to hard work, combined with a commitment to continual growth through professional development, can set you apart. In an ever-evolving professional landscape, being a lifelong learner is indispensable.

It’s heartening to know that there are trailblazing women who have carved a niche for themselves in male-dominated sectors. Their journeys are not just inspiring but also provide a blueprint for challenges that might arise. They’ve paved paths, broken barriers, and have showcased that gender is not a measure of one’s capability or leadership.

Events like the Wonder Woman gathering at the National Conference are testament to the community of powerful female Athletic Administrators. It’s an arena to congregate, learn, recognize achievements, and celebrate the strides women have made in the field. Such events not only foster solidarity but also remind us of the collective strength we have as a community.

In essence, while the journey in a male-dominated profession might seem daunting, remember that you have a unique voice, perspective, and strength. Bring them to the fore, lean on your community, continually evolve, and remember – every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.

How do you see yourself impacting the next generation of female leaders?
One of the most profound moments in my professional journey at Skyline was during the interview process. A young female student on the committee expressed her excitement at the prospect of having a Female Athletic Director. Her genuine enthusiasm resonated deeply with me, serving as a potent reminder of the symbolic significance and tangible impact of my role. When young girls and women see someone they can relate to in leadership roles, it’s not just about representation. It’s about breaking preconceived notions, shattering glass ceilings, and tangibly demonstrating that they, too, can aspire for and achieve positions traditionally dominated by men. It reinforces the idea that leadership qualities aren’t gender-specific and that ambition, capability, and impact are attributes anyone can possess, regardless of gender.

By stepping into this role and embracing it with passion and dedication, I aim to be a beacon for the next generation of female leaders. I want them to see, in my journey and endeavors, that their dreams are valid, achievable, and that their gender is an asset, not a limitation. By being visible, accessible, and interactive, I hope to mentor, inspire, and nurture budding leaders, empowering them to chart their unique trajectories in whatever fields they choose.

In the broader perspective, it’s about fostering an environment where young girls can see themselves not just as participants but as decision-makers, influencers, and leaders. Every young girl who sees a female in a position of authority today can envision herself in similar roles tomorrow. And that vision, sparked by representation, is the first step towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable leadership landscape for the future.

On behalf of the CHSAA membership, I would like to thank you for the work that you do. Your commitment to Colorado high school athletics and activities does not go unnoticed. The support and you give to administrators and the voice that you lend to making every student’s high school experience meaningful is very much appreciated.