Lakota West names alum as new athletic director

The Lakota West Athletic Department has named Lakota West graduate Austin Rhoads as its new athletic director, pending board approval on April 27. He will take over Aug. 1 for longtime AD Scott Kaufman, who is leaving to join the administrative staff of the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

He been the athletic director at Springboro High School since 2016, where he has led strategic program development, facility improvements and initiatives focused on strengthening culture, integrity, and community engagement.

A 2001 Lakota West graduate, Rhoads earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University and his master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati. He began his career as a physical education teacher, serving students in Hamilton and Sycamore before moving into athletic leadership in Springboro. He left a lasting legacy as a standout multi-sport athlete, earning five varsity letters in baseball and football. Rhoads was inducted into the Lakota Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 for his success on and off the field for the Firebird baseball and football teams.

Austin Rhoads will take over as the Lakota West athletic director on Aug. 1, 2026.

“I am excited and honored to return home to Lakota West and give back to a school and community that has meant so much to me,” said Rhoads in a press release. “I look forward to working alongside our students, coaches and families as we continue to build on the strong tradition and winning culture of Firebird athletics.”

Rhoads earned the Southwest Ohio Athletic Directors Association Horizon Award in 2019 ‒ an honor presented to emerging athletic directors who demonstrate excellence in leadership, professional involvement and program development early in their careers.

Prior to his role at Springboro, Rhoads began his career in Hamilton City Schools before serving as a physical education teacher and junior high athletic director at Sycamore. He also developed an extensive coaching résumé, including serving for eight seasons as an assistant coach at Lakota West, including part of the 2007 OHSAA state championship baseball program and later as head baseball coach at Princeton High School.

Rhoads earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Miami University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati.

He lives in Liberty Township with his wife, Christy, and their two sons, Cooper and Hudson, and enjoys spending much of his time supporting them in their athletic pursuits.

“Mr. Rhoads will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Lakota West as he builds on the strong foundation of Firebird athletics,” Lakota West Principal Scott Laman said in the press release. “He is forward-thinking and deeply committed to supporting our student-athletes, not only in competition, but also leadership and personal growth.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lakota West names alum Austin Rhoads as new athletic director