Ever since he was in high school, Izayah Donnelly had known he wanted to become an athletic director. Joining Greenhill as the new Athletic Department Coordinator provides a building block to his ultimate goal.
Donnelly grew up playing basketball; he says his position as a point guard on his youth, high school and college teams honed his leadership skills from an early age.
This early and consistent exposure to sports led to a passion for a career in athletics.
“My dad had us in basketball, so I’ve played basketball my entire life,” said Donnelly.
His dream started to take shape while he was in high school when a teammate was having trouble with grades. Donnelly felt as though their athletic director could have done more to help, which planted the seed that led him into a career in athletics administration.
“I didn’t feel like our athletic director did a lot to help him and push him, [so] I always wanted to be an athletic director,” Donnelly said.
He played college basketball for two years at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., where he got a bachelor’s degree in communications, and a master’s in organizational leadership, specializing in organizational management.
Donnelly moved to Dallas two years ago and was looking for a job when he came across an opening on the Greenhill website. After reaching out, Head of Athletics and Physical Education Jarrett Shine, sent him the details for an interview.
“Mr. Donnelly comes to us with recent experience in a similar role within an athletic association,” said Shine. “He is enthusiastic about applying his expertise and creativity to his new position here at Greenhill.”
After only a few weeks at Greenhill, Donnelly says it’s a good fit.
“Everybody [at Greenhill] seems like they want everybody to succeed,” Donnelly said.
Since arriving at Greenhill, Donnelly has settled into a routine.
A typical day for Donnelly consists of confirming game schedules with both the opposing school and Greenhill coaches, scheduling buses, paying officials, placing orders for special events and working on graphics.
Donnelly attends games but his primary responsibilities are communicating with the community about athletics events, not working directly with students.
“My background in sports helps me communicate and relate to students,” Donnelly said.
Donnelly says he finds fulfillment in his new role in Greenhill athletics. He sees sports as a way for students to learn important life skills.
“People should play sports because it exposes you to people you may not talk to on a normal basis,” Donnelly said. “It teaches you a lot about yourself, being determined, never giving up and playing for a school team gives you that sense of community.”
