Meet CCA’s New Athletic Director
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4.CCA’s Moms in Prayer has been praying for God to provide new employees for the 2024-25 school year who are not only the most qualified but also care the most about transforming the hearts of our students. God answered our prayers for all the new employees He is bringing for the new school year. This answer to our prayers is especially evident in CCA’s new athletic director, Aaron Russo. Aaron has a heart to reach students through the ministry of athletics and believes in the power of sports to transform students. Please read the interview below to get to know Aaron better. “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
Tell us about yourself.
My journey has taken me through many peaks and valleys as I trusted the Lord each season. A turning point in my life occurred before I transferred from DePaul University to Dallas Baptist University. During a visit to a friend at DBU and a season of deep prayer for the Lord’s plan for my life, a chance encounter with a university Vice President resulted in an opportunity to work in the athletic department as an Operations Manager.
This opportunity led me to meet my wife, Meredith, as we both worked in Residence Life while I finished my Sports Management and Marketing degree. I went on to become a Graduate Assistant in Sports Information, creating content, managing stats, communicating with the NCAA and other universities, and writing game stories to prepare and recap each game across the athletic programs. During this time, I continued coaching for Texas Lonestar Basketball and began my teaching career at North Oaks Middle School while completing my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
After graduating and the birth of our son, Amos, my family moved back to my hometown, Liberty Hill, TX, where I coached basketball and cross country at the high school level while teaching Advanced Placement Physics. Following several successful seasons, I accepted an opportunity to move into school administration. I progressed from assistant principal to principal within a few years, accomplishing many great things with the teams I had the privilege of leading.
With the recent birth of our daughter, Elia, and this new opportunity, my family is excited to join and serve the CCA community. We give all thanks to the Lord as we continue to put our faith and trust in Him, committing to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
What was your first job?
My first job was coaching for the Texas Lonestar Basketball Academy while working as an Operations Manager in the athletic department at Dallas Baptist University.
Why did you choose education as a career?
To impact the next generation, we must develop citizens who know they are loved, valued, and capable of great things in God’s image. I firmly believe in the positive influence we can have to edify, encourage, and equip young minds as they journey to find their identity in Christ and their calling in life.
Who had the biggest impact on your career choice?
The coaches and teammates I had growing up had the most impact on my career choice. At a young age, I understood the sacred power of sports and what it meant to be on a team and to be a teammate.
If you weren’t in education/coaching, what job would you be doing?
That is a great question. I would probably become a fishing guide for families wanting to learn how to fish. This would allow me to share the gospel while being outdoors and teaching families the joy, challenges, and art of fishing.
What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?
The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing the athletes I coached 5 to 10 years later and witnessing the kind of young men and women they become.
What has coaching taught you about life?
Coaching has shown me the power and responsibility of using my platform well beyond just teaching fundamental athletic skills and effective plays. It is a ministry where we teach virtues, teamwork, resilience, communication, authenticity, and faith, all while striving to bring out the best in each other for the glory of God.
What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of?
My career highlight is seeing the young people I have taught and coached go on to become great leaders, citizens, and influences in the world.
What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
I love spending weekends hiking or exploring parks with my family, casting a line with my brothers and dad, and cheering on the Chicago Bears in hopes of a triumphant victory.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert?
I am naturally introverted, needing time to process and recharge before fully engaging with others. What is your enneagram number?
I am an enneagram 5: The InvestigatorWhat’s your favorite quote from a TV show/movie/book?
“Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” – Rocky Balboa
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
The laugh/smile of my children makes my day instantly better.
What is your definition of success?
Success is giving the best we are capable of giving.
What is the one thing you wish parents knew?
Beyond what we, as coaches, teachers, and directors, can do, parents have the greatest influence on their children’s confidence, belief system, and mindset. Therefore, in partnership with them, we can achieve incredible results in impacting, nurturing, and shaping each student-athlete.
What is the one thing you wish athletes knew?
Attitude beats talent every time. Most athletes won’t put in the work to be the best they are capable of being. John Wooden once said, “Success is a peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Why do you choose to come to CCA?
Joining CCA offers an incredible opportunity to become part of a remarkable Christian community with a prestigious athletic department. Our talented, like-minded coaches are dedicated to helping our student-athletes excel in their sports, grow in their faith, and achieve excellence. I am eager to have the opportunity to make a positive, lifelong impact on our student-athletes as they develop as athletes, citizens, and believers.
We are so excited to welcome Aaron and his family to our CCA community next school year!
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