Sanger ISD names longtime coach Tracy Sykes girl’s athletic director

Sanger ISD has named longtime coach Tracy Sykes as its first girls' athletic director.

An integral piece of the community for nearly two decades, Sykes has coached in Sanger since 2005 and has been the girls' athletic coordinator since 2016. As the head girls' basketball coach, Sykes guided her team to a region final appearance and the most wins in school history.

She stepped down from her role as head girls' basketball coach in 2018 to be more involved in all girls' programs. In doing so, she promoted her assistant, Derek Hilliard, to head coach. Hilliard has served in the role ever since.

Sykes’ tenure in Sanger began 18 years ago when she took over the middle school girls' coordinator position. Since she arrived, Sykes’ teams have won district championships in every sport.

Sykes is a graduate of Hawley High School, as well as Western Texas College and Schreiner University. She has over 30 years of experience in coaching.

“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to be the Girl’s Athletic Director. It’s honestly surreal. I love Sanger. I love the tradition that has been created through the years. I just want to continue to expand upon our successes and keep an extremely high standard of excellence that has been set. I am also excited to work along the side of Coach Rogers, the new Boy’s Athletic Director. We are going to spend a lot of time focusing on our academics, character development, and overall athletic achievement. I have so many people to thank for this opportunity- Sanger ISD Admin and staff, the Sanger community and school board. Especially Dr hunter, Jennie Flaa and Chuck Galbreath. I will be forever grateful for their constant backing of me and the girls program.

“They have always been so supportive of me. I also want to recognize my coaching staff and my girl athletes. Without them, this dream would’ve never came true. Lastly, I can’t go without thanking, my wonderful friends and beautiful family, Shane, Casey, and Mick for always pushing me to be my best possible.”