Montgomery ISD's new Athletic Director, Coach LaPlante, made a strong impression during his first update at the MISD Board Meeting on March 18, 2025. He emphasized a commitment to fostering a culture of "Building Champions," which focuses on the holistic development of student-athletes through collaboration among coaches, families, and the community.

LaPlante introduced a new motto that symbolizes the support system for student-athletes, represented by a three-legged stool: the athlete, the coach, and the family. He stressed that if any one of these legs falters, the entire structure is at risk. "We all need to have that shared investment to do awesome things for kids," he stated, highlighting core values of love, discipline, integrity, and pride as guiding principles for decisions made within the athletic program.

In his update, LaPlante shared insights from his extensive campus visits, noting the dedication of both athletes and coaches. He praised the community's support, particularly during high-stakes events like cross-town rivalries, and acknowledged the impressive participation numbers across all grade levels. However, he also pointed out challenges, including aging facilities and the need for better recruitment strategies for struggling sports like swimming.

To address these issues, LaPlante outlined plans for initiatives such as an "Athlete of the Month" program to celebrate student achievements beyond just athletic performance, and a "Coaches Spotlight" to introduce the coaching staff to the community. He also expressed a desire to promote multi-sport participation among athletes, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where students feel encouraged to engage in various sports.

LaPlante's proactive approach includes gathering feedback from coaches through surveys to improve the athletic culture and retain quality staff. He aims to ensure that every student and coach has a positive experience, reinforcing the idea that success in athletics is intertwined with academic achievement and community involvement.

As the meeting concluded, board members expressed their support for LaPlante's vision, looking forward to the positive changes he plans to implement in the Montgomery ISD athletic program.