The 53rd Annual North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) State Conference concluded on Monday in Asheville, bringing together athletic administrators from across the state for four days of intensive professional development, strategic planning, and peer networking.

The core of the conference focused on elevating the standard of athletic administration. Attendees participated in:

• Leadership Training Courses (LTC): In-depth sessions designed to sharpen administrative skills and maintain national certification standards.
• Workshop Sessions: Targeted discussions on the evolving landscape of high school sports, focusing on better serving student-athletes and their local communities.

A highlight of the weekend was the interactive trade show, featuring industry-leading vendors. Directors explored the latest tools and technologies designed to streamline athletic programs, from digital ticketing and scheduling software to advanced facility equipment. The atmosphere was further energized by vendor-sponsored prize drawings, rewarding directors for their engagement with new industry solutions.

The NCADA curated several events to foster a sense of community:

• Friday: A high-energy Casino Night that served as a perfect icebreaker for new and returning attendees.
• Saturday: A traditional Pig Pickin’, corn hole tournament, and a dedicated spouses’ outing.
• Sunday: The weekend culminated in an Ice Cream Social and the prestigious NCADA Conference Banquet, where the year’s top achievements were celebrated.

Directors got updates from the NCHSAA regarding the 8-classification alignment. As North Carolina transitioned to this new structure, the face-to-face sessions with NCHSAA leadership provided vital clarity on how these changes will impact competition, travel, and postseason play for schools across the state.

The NCADA Conference Banquet was held on Sunday evening with NCADA Executing Roy turner hosting. Athletic directors from across the state were presented with honors and awards for their hard work and dedication. 

PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

You can see the awards presented and pictures from the weekend by click here to go to the NCADA X/Twitter account.