In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with UIL Director of Athletics Ray Zepeda as he approaches the end of his third year in the role, sharing insights on leadership, student safety, eligibility, competitive equity, and the future of interscholastic athletics in Texas. Drawing from more than 20 years as a football coach and his experience leading the UIL, Zepeda discusses the importance of building relationships, navigating change, and keeping the long-term interests of Texas’ 1 million student-athletes at the center of every decision.

Throughout his tenure, Zepeda has prioritized strengthening collaboration between the UIL, schools, and professional coaching associations while modernizing processes and helping Texas athletics adapt to an evolving educational landscape. 

In this episode, he discusses:

• How relationship-building and collaboration can strengthen trust between the UIL, schools, and coaching organizations
• The role of the UIL Legislative Council in establishing the rules that govern Texas interscholastic athletics
• How viewing problems as challenges can help administrators identify areas of control and develop effective solutions
• Why maintaining perspective matters when challenges don’t reflect the broader success of Texas athletics
• The differences between virtual school and traditional homeschool students and the importance of asking the right questions during the onboarding process
• The challenges presented by emerging sports academies and the need to maintain competitive equity across Texas athletics

The insights from this conversation provide a thoughtful look at the challenges and opportunities facing Texas interscholastic athletics, emphasizing the importance of perspective, consistency, collaboration, and keeping students at the center of every decision. As the UIL continues to navigate a changing educational landscape, Zepeda highlights the strength of a system built around highly trained students, prepared coaches, dedicated administrators, strong facilities, and a deep connection to communities across the state.

Special thanks to Snap! Mobile for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Snap! Mobile provides technology solutions designed specifically to help schools and athletic programs simplify fundraising, streamline communication, and build stronger connections with their communities while giving coaches and administrators more tools to support their programs.