<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=21Vbp5_1Gz2j42E00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=21Vbp5_1Gz2j42E00" width="1200" height="920" ></figure>Jamesia Tuiava, WJ’s new athletic director, has worn most of the hats in school athletics. She has been a D1 college basketball player, a college coach, a gym teacher, a substitute teacher, a principal and an athletic director. She joined WJ this fall from Brentwood School District in Missouri, where she oversaw athletics and activities for grades six through 12.Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Tuiava played Division I basketball at Saint Louis University, where she became the first player in program history to record 200 career steals and 400 career assists. Following her playing career, she coached Division II college basketball at Missouri Southern State University before transitioning into education. She spent five years teaching physical education, became an assistant principal and later served as a principal before becoming a full-time athletic director.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4R8uq5_1Gz2j42E00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4R8uq5_1Gz2j42E00" width="1290" height="851" ><figcaption>New athletic director Jamesia Tuiava dribbles the ball to avoid the defense. Tuiava was formerly a D1 basketball player who had a record setting career. (Courtesy Jamesia Tuiava)</figcaption></figure>After her husband became a coaching fellow for the Baltimore Ravens, Tuiava relocated to Baltimore, opening the door to a new opportunity at WJ.Having previously worked within smaller school districts, Tuiava was drawn to our large student population, athletic programs and established traditions.“I’ve always wanted to be an athletic director at a big school to make a big difference and impact,” Tuiava said.Rather than immediately introducing new policies or traditions, Tuiava wants to hear directly from students and coaches about what is working and what could be improved. One of her biggest priorities is increasing the visibility of all athletic programs, particularly girls’ sports. Having experienced differences in attendance and recognition between boys’ and girls’ basketball during her high school career, Tuiava understands the importance of equal representation.She has already begun updating the athletic department’s website, including team rosters and is working toward adding individual athlete photographs. Further, she hopes to provide more photography opportunities for sports with undermined coverage.“For me, I don’t think that’s fair when we have a website that showcases pictures, but then it’s like, you have to go to the archives to really try to get the other sports that are not publicly known,” Tuiava said.Varsity field hockey head coach Lauren Zucconi was involved in interviewing prospective athletic directors and emphasized the importance of finding someone who would support all athletic programs.“It was really important for me to be at the interviews to make sure that we were going to have a diverse and inclusive athletic department,” Zucconi said. “I think that includes making sure the female sports are well represented and taken care of.”Additionally, SALC representative senior Luke Notaro also prioritizes the importance of finding an athletic director who would support each and every student-athlete.“It is very important for an AD to prioritize equal recognition for all sports,” Notaro said. “If not all sports are equally recognized, it could lead to some sports getting more funding than others towards things like equipment, which makes it harder for the athletes on those teams.”Zucconi said Tuiava stood out among the candidates and was her first choice for the position. Although Tuiava arrived during the middle of the fall athletic season, fall coaches have already been impressed by how she has handled the transition.“I can already tell that she has calm, cool delivery and good composure through all of the curveballs she’s been thrown,” Zucconi said. “I think she’s gonna do a great job going forward.”</div></body>

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Jamesia Tuiava, WJ’s new athletic director, has worn most of the hats in school athletics. She has been a D1 college basketball player, a college coach, a gym teacher, a substitute teacher, a principal and an athletic director. She joined WJ this fall from Brentwood School District in Missouri, where she oversaw athletics and activities for grades six through 12.

New athletic director brings fresh perspective

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Jamesia Tuiava, WJ’s new athletic director, has worn most of the hats in school athletics. She has been a D1 college basketball player, a college coach, a 

New athletic director brings fresh perspective

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