Neely Leaves Round Rock ISD for UIL

By Stephanie Ramirez | Wednesday, April 15, 2009 1:12 PM

Whether it was the cold in Kansas or the appeal she saw in Texas the first time she was here for undergraduate studies that would later bring her back to Austin in 1996, the University Interscholastic League benefited either way as Traci Neely was named one of the new assistant athletic directors.

After graduating from Abilene Christian University, Neely went to work at Arlington Martin High School where she coached and taught from 1987 to 1994. When she decided to return to her home state and attend the University of Kansas for her Master’s in Sports Administration, it did not take her long to realize she wanted to return to Texas.

“I got back as fast I possibly could,” Neely said.

After her return to Texas, Neely took a job with Round Rock McNeil High School as the assistant campus coordinator and the girls’ cross country head coach and the track and field head coach. In 2004 she became the Assistant Athletic Director for Round Rock ISD where she worked for almost five years.

At UIL, Neely is now in charge cross country, volleyball, swimming and diving, and is a co-coordinator for track and field with Sheila Henderson.

As the coordinator of an event, “you are in charge of overseeing all processing,” according to Neely. “It’s up to you to decide what the face of the UIL is going to be at a particular event.”

Neely said one of her goals is to become as proficient with all of the rules and regulations of the League as possible.

"I remember how hard it is to be a coach and how scary it is when you don’t know the answers to some big questions,” Neely said. “I still feel really connected to all those coaches out there, and I feel strongly about being able to help them by answering any questions I can.”