Liberty athletic director Jason Cahill: Success across the board
LIBERTY, Mo. — To say that school athletic directors have a challenging job is an understatement. The responsibility is tremendous. They oversee the athletic programs and activities at a high school. They manage athletic budgets and schedules, hire coaches, and ensure compliance with MSHSAA regulations. The AD also plays a vital role in creating a positive and supportive environment for coaches and student-athletes, promoting sportsmanship, and encouraging teamwork and collaboration. They work closely with coaches, parents, and school administrators to ensure that all athletes have the resources and support they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Jason Cahill has been the AD for Liberty High School since 2008. Almost half of the school’s state championships have been won during Cahill’s tenure. The school has had across-the-board success, finishing in the top four in the state in 14 different sports and winning state championships in baseball, wrestling, and girls’ soccer—a total of eight. Cahill has also been there to oversee tremendous renovations to the school’s outdoor stadium complex and facilities. He was named the Athletic Director of the Year for the Kansas City area in early 2023.
Cahill was born in Massachusetts. In his youth, his family moved to Boulder, Colorado. Then, in eighth grade, his family moved to Nebraska, where Cahill played basketball and football. He earned all-state honors and a scholarship to play quarterback for the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Out of college, Cahill coached and taught social studies at Liberty. He then had teaching and administrative jobs at Columbia Rockbridge High School and Timberland High School. He applied and was selected to be the Liberty AD, taking over in the 2008/2009 school year.
“There’s a storied history of athletics and activities with Liberty public schools,” says Cahill. “What impressed me the most when first coming here and why I wanted to come back as an AD is the community buy-in for its public schools and the level of expectation and excellence in all aspects of educating young people. In academics, fine arts, and athletics, there are high expectations and support in all three areas. And that’s what attracted me to this district and why this district is so good to work for.”
“What’s memorable about our program is that it’s not just about one sport. It’s a success across the board, whether it be our cross country, dance team, swimmers, golfers, or tennis players. We have had success with every sport at every level,” says Cahill.
“We have coaches that are always willing to go out and improve their game through professional development, attending clinics, presenting at clinics, and learning from their peers,” says Cahill. “That is important. We never stay stagnant. We are always working to get better.”
“The most essential thing to me in this role is doing everything I can to make this department is run as best as possible. Treating people right is important to me, as
well as having good communication and providing opportunities for kids to prove their excellence.”
Kudos to Jason Cahill for doing an outstanding job for the community and the students at Liberty High School.
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