Adrian sees a lot of potential for developing and growing Woodland’s vibrant athletic teams

Woodland Public Schools recently announced the appointment of Taylor Adrian as the district’s new athletic director. With a passion for excellence and a commitment to fostering a positive sports culture, Adrian brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the district. 

In addition to currently teaching physical education at Vancouver Public Schools, Adrian earned his administrative credentials and completed his administrative internship under an athletic director, fueling his desire to lead an athletic program. “Becoming an athletic director has been a dream of mine for some time,” Adrian told the interview committees. Additionally, his coaching experience showcases his ability to develop successful programs and foster a positive team environment.

When Adrian saw the athletic director position become available at Woodland, he jumped at the chance to apply, “The position offers the opportunity to get the best of both worlds: teaching and operating as the district’s athletic director,” he said. “Now, I get to continue my love of teaching students and the responsibility of managing the athletic department at Woodland High School. How much better does it get than that? Plus, the facilities here are absolutely beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to view high school athletics in such a grand setting?”

Adrian initially found the idea of being an athletic director after participating in sports during high school in east Portland where he participated in track where he found his passion for long-distance running. After qualifying for State in high school in both the 1500m and 3K events, he competed for Concordia College at the NAIA level. Following college, he qualified and raced in the New York and Boston marathons. His passion for sport led him to realize he would love the chance to guide student athletes as a career.

“We all have crummy days at school and work, but when practice time arrives, you get to cast away all the other stress and worries and simply focus on improving yourself and contributing to the team,” he said. “Now that I get to focus the majority of my efforts on helping student-athletes remain eligible and compete athletically for WHS, this job is a dream come true.”

Adrian impressed the interview committees with his “can-do” attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure all student-athletes can participate. Transportation challenges many school districts in the region with districts unable to secure transportation for all teams to away games. In his recent role, Adrian took matters into his own hands by obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to qualify to drive a school bus to athletic events and away games. His proactive approach demonstrates his dedication to finding solutions and ensuring that all student-athletes have equal opportunities.

Adrian sees a lot of potential for developing and growing Woodland’s vibrant athletic teams. “I plan to set goals with each coach, monitor frequently how I can be most supportive, and then fade into the background during contests to put the focus of our athletic programs on our student athletes and their efforts,” he said. “With the return of middle school sports this upcoming school year, we also have the opportunity to establish connections with our youth programs as they prepare for high school athletics.”

Adrian’s family includes his wife, Laura, and their two children, Brooks (age 4) and Lainey (age 2). “My wife keeps our family running while I’m away for long days coaching,” said Taylor. “I would be entirely lost without her.” Laura currently works at PeaceHealth SW in Vancouver in a variety of departments including Emergency and Labor & Delivery. “Laura has taken care of many new parents and their newest little additions who call Woodland home,” said Talyor. Brooks is growing up to be just like his father, playing all the sports available to a kid his age including t-ball, basketball, soccer, and swimming.

While Adrian and his family currently reside in the Felida Neighborhood in Vancouver, they plan to relocate to Woodland within the next year or two. “It has always been a dream of mine to raise my kids in the community that I’m teaching and coaching in,” said Adrian. “My wife has been checking Redfin daily, and I hope it is in the cards as our kids enter elementary school in a few years.”

Adrian looks forward to his new position and expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the interview process. “I want to thank Superintendent Riley, Principal Pearson, Principal Lindsay, and the Woodland Community for trusting me with the position of WHS athletic director,” he said. “There is no place I would rather be than serving our students and I want the entire Woodland Community to know how appreciative I am of the opportunity. I will always advocate for the betterment of our kids, even if that means making unpopular decisions. I plan to serve in this role for as long as the Woodland SD and community will have me. Thank you and Go Beavs!”

Woodland Public Schools received 17 applicants for the Athletic Director position. “We narrowed our choices down to three exceptional candidates, said Assistant Superintendent Asha Riley, who will be taking over as the district’s superintendent in July.  “Four interview panels –  students, administrators, coaches, and community members – interviewed each candidate, and Taylor Adrian emerged as the frontrunner based on strong recommendations from each committee.”

“Please join us in welcoming Mr. Adrian to Woodland Public Schools,” said Riley. “His leadership will undoubtedly elevate our athletic programs and create memorable experiences for our student-athletes.”

Information provided by the Woodland School District.