After years of leading athletic programs, shaping school spirit, and building championship cultures, some of our most influential athletic directors have stepped away from the scoreboard—but not from the memories. In our ongoing series, “Catching Up with the AD: Life After the Whistle,” we reconnect with retired athletic directors to reflect on their journeys, revisit their favorite moments, and hear what life looks like beyond the stadium lights.
September 2025 Edition
Today, we catch up with Peggy Johnson, former Athletic Director at Savannah High School, Savannah Art’s Academy, and at the District level of Savannah Chatham County Public School System, who served from 1996-2012.
Where Are You Now?
I retired from SCCPSS in 2012 and have been living in Anderson, South Carolina since 2019.
What do you Miss Most?
I miss the camaraderie of my colleagues and the deep fulfillment that comes from knowing I made a positive impact on a child’s life through my service.
What was your most exciting Time as an AD?
One of the most exciting and fulfilling times in my career was watching the athletic program grow into a championship-winning team—and experiencing that success through the eyes of the children. It wasn’t just about victories on the court, but also about achievements in the classroom. Whether it was celebrating a big win or witnessing a student earn a scholarship, those moments were truly meaningful.
How did Students Impact You?
Building relationships and getting to know students has had a profound impact on me. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life has been making a difference in a child’s life. While they were part of a program I led, I took pride in creating a safe, supportive environment where they could thrive. My goal was always to equip them with the skills they needed to succeed and to help them work toward achieving their own goals.
Advice for Current Athletic Directors:
- Listen First: Always start by asking coaches, parents, and athletes what they need. Understanding their perspectives is the foundation of effective leadership.
- Maintain an Open-Door Policy: Create a welcoming environment where students, teachers, and parents feel safe sharing their concerns, thoughts, and feelings.
- Be Consistent and Fair: Treat everyone with the same level of respect and consistency. Fairness builds trust and strengthens your entire program.
Favorite Story from the Job?
One of my favorite stories from my time as an athletic director was when I made a rule for middle school soccer: during a championship game, if the score was still tied after two overtimes, we would not go to penalty kicks—instead, both teams would be awarded trophies.
After implementing that rule, a parent called and raised quite a fuss—complaining to everyone, all the way up to the superintendent. Despite the pushback, I stood by my decision.
Four years later, I ran into that same parent at a dance competition. She actually apologized for her behavior and told me she appreciated the fact that I stood my ground. She admitted she was used to getting her way but respected that I didn’t cave to the pressure. I told her then—and I still believe now—that my decisions were made with the best interest of the children in mind, not just to satisfy what they or their parents wanted.
Legacy Reflection:
As the SCCPSS athletic director, I hope my legacy reflects fairness, integrity, and genuine care. I made it a priority to treat every school—high school or middle school—along with every student, parent, and coach, with equal respect. I worked diligently to ensure the rules were clearly communicated, consistently applied, and fair for all. My approach was always to listen first, understand individual needs, and provide the support needed to help others succeed. Above all, I hope to be remembered as someone who led with fairness, offered support, and truly cared about the people I served.
Final Thoughts: Quote to end on….
“I believe life deals us a mix of good and bad cards—and it’s how we choose to play them that determines our success.”
