Northwest Executive Director of Athletics Susan Elza is headed to Austin.
Elza was named the University Interscholastic League’s Director of Athletics Monday.
MOVING ON – After seven years at Northwest ISD, Susan Elza is leaving to become the Director of Athletics for the University Interscholastic League. Messenger Photo by Joe Duty
Elza will begin her new role overseeing athletics for all the members, schools in UIL next month. She replaces Mark Cousins, who moved into a new role as UIL Director of Compliance, Eligibility and Education July 1.
Northwest ISD posted the job for Executive Director of Athletics Monday, according to NISD spokesman Jerry Cantu. He added that Elza will transition to her new post with UIL towards the end of August. A specific date has yet to be announced. In the meantime, she will continue to prepare NISD Athletics for the upcoming school year.
On the qualifications listed on the district’s website, applicants will need a minimum of five years of varsity experience at 4A-6A programs with head coach and athletic administrative experience preferred.
Elza started with Northwest ISD July 1, 2008. In her time, she’s hired several head coaches, including current Northwest football coach Bill Poe. She also fully staffed the athletic department at Eaton High School, which will open in the fall.
Elza was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
In a press release from the UIL she said about her new role, “It is a tremendous honor to be hired as the Director of Athletics of the UIL. I am grateful for the vote of confidence to lead an athletic program that is known as one of the best in the nation. I am dedicated to contributing to help shape the future of this organization so that we can better serve the schools and athletes of the state of Texas.”
UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt, who held the role Elza is taking before Cousins, said, “Dr. Susan Elza has been dedicated to UIL athletics for many years and brings to the league extensive knowledge and a commitment to continued excellence. Her experience and leadership will be an invaluable asset to the UIL and extracurricular athletics in Texas.”
Prior to joining NISD, Elza spent 12 years at Allen ISD coaching softball and later serve as assistant athletic director. She was also a head softball coach in Garland.