Marcus Dilligard
Knox
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Athletic Director with over 16 years of experience in sports and a proven track record as a Men’s Basketball Coach. A Christ-centered leader with exceptional communication skills fosters meaningful player interactions and enhances team cohesion while exemplifying Christian values. Committed to promoting team building, academic success, and community relations while adhering to established rules and regulations. Passionate about developing well-rounded student-athletes, focusing on athletic excellence alongside character-building, spiritual growth, and social development. Proven leadership cultivates an environment of growth, achievement, and faith-based values.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Athletic Director
Grace Christian Academy
06.2022 - Current
- Created a vision and pathway for the GCA Athletics Department
- Analyzed program performance data to identify areas for improvement and strategic growth opportunities.
- Managed budget allocations for athletic programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.
- Hire, mentor, and lead men’s and women’s Coaching Staff, support staff, and facilities staff
- Ensure the academic and athletic well-being of student athletes, teaching them to advocate for their needs and interests
- Ensured compliance with state eligibility requirements
- Increase student-athlete awareness to help with recruitment opportunities
- Created comradery between all men’s and women’s programs
- Developed and implemented athletic programs aligning with educational goals.
- Oversaw budgeting and resource allocation for all sports activities.
- Increased and maintain 90% student-athlete participation rate.
- Analyzed program effectiveness to drive improvements in student participation rates.
- Oversaw coach salaries, pay rates and all other program budget aspects.
- Recruited and interviewed individuals for coaching jobs and other athletic department staff positions.
- Championed the importance of sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility both on and off the field, setting a strong example for athletes to follow.
- Boosted fundraising efforts for athletic department through targeted campaigns and community partnerships.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive athletic programs to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations to secure sponsorships and resources for athletic initiatives.
- Oversaw scheduling, logistics, and coordination of all athletic events and competitions.
- Advocated for student-athlete welfare by implementing policies that prioritize health, safety, and well-being.
- Improved athlete retention rate by fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.
- Evaluated coaches'' performances annually using clear criteria aligned with department goals.
- Collaborated with other school departments to build interdisciplinary programs that promoted overall student wellness.
- Established culture of excellence and integrity among athletes and coaches, aligning with GCA's values.
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Grace Christian Academy
06.2022 - Current
- Instructed and analyze athletes and demonstrate basketball skills.
- Developed and implemented pre-season, season and tournament scheduling and conducted training and practices to prepare for league, conference and tournament play.
- Traveled across regions to observe junior athletes and identify potential team recruits.
- Developed practice plans and strategies to enhance team performance and player development.
- Implemented performance analysis tools to track player progress and improve training outcomes.
- Cultivated relationships with parents, staff, and community to support program growth and engagement.
- Contributed to the establishment of a winning culture by consistently modeling professionalism, dedication, and passion for the sport of basketball.
- Mentored players in skill development, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship on and off the court.
- Implemented a college style program model.
- Managed 3 High School programs and built out 4 middle and elementary programs.
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
University Of The Cumberlands
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Analyzed game footage to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Developed practice plans to enhance team performance and skill development.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts to attract high-caliber student-athletes to the program.
- Implemented training programs focusing on physical conditioning and teamwork principles.
- Assisted head coach in developing game strategies tailored to opponents' weaknesses.
- Organized community outreach initiatives to foster support for the basketball program.
- Evaluated player performance metrics to inform coaching decisions and adjustments.
Volunteer for University Athletic Department
University Of The Cumberlands
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Coordinated community outreach programs to engage volunteers and stakeholders.
- Trained new volunteers on organizational practices and event protocols.
- Developed promotional materials to increase awareness of volunteer opportunities.
- Managed logistics for events, ensuring timely setup and resource allocation.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Represented organization positively and professionally while providing community with much-needed services.
- Boosted fundraising efforts, securing valuable donations through targeted campaigns.
Director of Athletics & Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Victory Christian Center School
08.2015 - 07.2021
- Operated with genuine concern for welfare of students, staff, parents and community.
- Delivered strategic and visionary leadership to athletic department coaches and trainers.
- Coordinated transportation and scheduling of district athletic events.
- Collaborated with athletics and academic staff to promote academic success, retention and graduation for student athletes.
- Developed comprehensive plans for the athletic department that supported and aligned with the mission and vision of the institution.
- Inspected equipment and facilities for signs of wear or damage impacting safety.
- Assigned work to staff, set schedules and motivated strong performance in key areas.
- Supervised work of contracted employees to keep on task for timely completion.
Education
Master of Science - Master of Coaching
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Furman University
Greenville, SC06.2001
Skills
- Strategic Planning - Long-term to meet the vision Short-term Tactical Implementation
- Mentorship- Coaches & Athletes
- Public & Community Relations
- Scheduling coordination
- Facility management
- Creative vision
- Athletic program development
- Student-athlete welfare
- Collaborative approach
- Performance analysis
- Fundraising expertise
- Coaching and mentoring
- Budget management
- Conflict resolution
- Detail-oriented approach
- Excellent communication
Certification
- Certified Athletic Administrator
PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS
- Culture of servant leadership, preparation, hard-work, mental toughness all using a Christlike platform
- Every Sport placed as Top District Performer Level
- Increased GCA Athletic Program awareness to attract top performing athletes to all sports
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Portuguese
Elementary
Timeline
Athletic Director
Grace Christian Academy
06.2022 - Current
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Grace Christian Academy
06.2022 - Current
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
University Of The Cumberlands
08.2021 - 06.2022
Volunteer for University Athletic Department
University Of The Cumberlands
08.2021 - 06.2022
Director of Athletics & Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Victory Christian Center School
08.2015 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Furman University
Master of Science - Master of Coaching
University of The Cumberlands