In case you missed it, ACU chose Houston native and Notre Dame product Lee De León as the new athletic director. For me personally, it was a bit of a shock, but a happy one for sure.
In the past, whether it be an administrative role or a coaching position, ACU has gained the reputation of hiring within the ACU community. But this time, President Schubert reached out to someone outside the school who has an incredible resumé.
De León graduated from Notre Dame, earned his masters at Texas A&M University and then went to work for major programs such as LSU, University of Houston, University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico before joining ACU. He studied sports management and has dreamed of being an athletic director.
For ACU, this is a huge pickup and a step in the right direction for Wildcat athletics. De León knows what it takes to put together a winning program, has the experience and credentials to back it up and has the enthusiasm to make it happen.
At 33 years old, De León is one of the younger ADs to be selected for ACU. He is also only the third director to be selected who did not attend Abilene Christian.
The move to get De León was a loud statement from the university that said ‘we want someone who takes athletic success seriously and wants to bring us to the top,’ and that the search for athletic excellence on the field is required for a Div. I university.
Even though De León is just 33 and this is his first gig as a Div. I athletic director, you have to think this guy has what it takes to move this program to the top. When you think of the fact that former AD Jared Mosley, who was 27 years old when he first took over 10 years ago, did great things for the university, age might not be as big of a factor as you think.
And to top it off, De León exhibits the lifestyle and attitude that is endorsed by ACU.
The decision to bring on De León was a good call. He has a top-notch education, great experience in Div. I athletic offices and has the energy and drive to push us to new heights.
As for me, this man gets two thumbs up. And I can’t wait to see where this ride takes us if he’s driving the bus.
