Grant Freeman took on an exceptional task when he was promoted to athletic director, ushering in a new era of Wichita Falls ISD athletics.
Now, he’s ready for a new challenge, but it will not be in Wichita Falls.
Freeman accepted the athletic director position at Burnet ISD, located 55 miles northwest of Austin. The hire is pending school board approval at a meeting scheduled for June 16.
Freeman’s position is posted on the Wichita Falls ISD job board.
“It was a tough decision, but I feel like it’s the right decision for me and my family,” Freeman said. “The job in Burnet is an outstanding opportunity. It’s a growing school district, and it furthers what I want to achieve professionally.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here as head coach of Old High and being AD, but it’s time to move on.”
Freeman was named WFISD athletic director Aug. 7, 2023, replacing Scot Hafley who has since become the district’s assistant superintendent. It was a promotion for Freeman, who came to WFISD in 2016 as the offensive coordinator for the Wichita Falls High football team and took over the program in 2017, leading the Coyotes in their final seven seasons.
WFISD consolidated Hirschi, Rider and WFHS into two new high schools, Legacy and Memorial, for the 2024-25 school year. Freeman played a pivotal role in hiring coaches and overseeing the new athletic facilities at each school along with several other administrative duties.
Freeman was named Region 2 Administrator of the Year by the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association on June 1 due largely to his leadership during WFISD’s transition.
“We just went through something that not many, if any, other school districts have gone through,” Freeman said. “We kept kids first and put things in place for WFISD to be successful for a long time to come. It was really hard closing the door to three schools, and it was hard opening the door to two new ones.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. I’m proud of the updates we’ve done to Memorial Stadium, and I’m proud of the coaches we’ve put in place. I’m proud to know that we’ve helped the district through a weird, but exciting time, and WFISD is set up to succeed in the future.”
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Grant Freeman leaving Wichita Falls ISD, named new athletic director at Burnet ISD
Reporting by Jonathan Hull, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
