Houston High School Athletic Director Chad Becker has been involved with HHS athletics for 29 years. He coached three varsity sports throughout these years. He spent ten years as the boys’ basketball coach, seven years as the girls’ basketball coach, and fourteen years as the softball coach. He had eight trips to state tournaments and a record of over 600 wins as a head coach for varsity sports.
In 2008, he became the full-time Athletic Director for Houston High School, and during that time, Houston has maintained the title of the most successful athletic department in West Tennessee. During his tenure, 90% of the TSSAA recognized sports have won either a District or Regional Championship, and 79% of Houston’s athletic programs have earned a trip to the State Tournament. The Mustangs have also won 35 State Championships, and over 320 student athletes have received athletic scholarships to continue their education.
Coach Becker has shared in and helped to create many memories for Houston Athletics. Some of his favorite moments include the celebration of the first football game on the new stadium turf, and boys’ varsity basketball winning the 2021 State Championship. The opening of the new softball complex and the first win on that field also hold special memories for Becker. For three years, Becker was able to work with his former college coach, Charlie Leonard at Houston High School. In 2019, he was voted Athletic Director of the Year in the state of Tennessee by his peers at the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (TIAA). Earlier this month, Becker was recognized by the TSSAA for his distinguished service as an administrator.
Students’ signing ceremonies were always special for Coach Becker. He says, “Getting invited to speak at the signing ceremonies is always a privilege I never took for granted; to see the pride for all the work that had been put in for our people is a special feeling.”
As Becker shifts his focus, he is thankful for the relationships he has been able to build during his time as AD, saying, “I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with leaders who empowered me and gave me the autonomy to build our shared visions with our people.” The district is grateful to Coach Becker for all that he has done for the Houston athletics programs, and we look forward to his continued efforts in teaching our Mustangs to learn and grow in his English classroom.