Behind the scenes with Parkland Athletic Director Rod Lovett

“We’re really proud that we have a well rounded athletic department,” he said, referring to the appearances at national tournaments for Cobras teams ranging from volleyball and softball to baseball and women’s basketball.

Parkland’s record as an outstanding academic school certainly isn’t hurt by Lovett’s athletic department, as is the case in some other schools.

“Our grades have really taken off in the last six to seven years,” he explained. “Give me a competitive team that represents us well and has good grades.”

The right balance of academics and performance are what Lovett prides his department on. He is equally emphatic about hearing back from his former athletes after they had moved on.

“It’s very rewarding to see them move on,” he stated. “It’s probably one of the most rewarding parts when you do hear back from somebody.”

Lovett’s role in the athletic department certainly cannot be overvalued. His impact on coaches and players has turned a good athletics program into a great one. From the many tasks he performs daily to the national ties he has cultivated, Parkland has only benefited from his presence in the athletic office.