Last summer, Steve Keasler was hired as Carroll ISD’s athletic director. Since, the district has added a few more state titles and continues to be one of the athletic powerhouses of North Texas. He’s no stranger to the Dragons, as he previously coached the high school golf team for nine years. His career path has ventured to the University of Texas at Austin and Midlothian ISD, but he found his way back to Southlake to protect the tradition.
ONE OF MY MAIN GOALS… as athletic director at Carroll ISD is to aid in the athletic, academic and personal development of our student-athletes. I do this by creating an intentional culture that fosters positive relationships, that strives for a tradition of excellence.
AT THE AGE OF 14… I started playing golf so I could have a chance to be with my parents and do something they both enjoyed.
I STARTED MY COACHING CAREER… at Calliburg ISD in 1989 as Head Girls & Boys Golf Coach as well as varsity assistant basketball and football coach.
IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE TO… coach at Carroll ISD under Coach Ledbetter. At the time, he was one of the most respected football coaches in the state of Texas and had one of the most consistent programs in a one high school town.
MY JOURNEY BACK TO CISD… has seemed to come full circle. During my time at Carroll, I was able to obtain my master’s degree while acting as a quarterback coach, track & field coach and varsity assistant basketball coach. In addition to my time at Carroll, I have been blessed by amazing opportunities throughout my career from coaching at the high school level, becoming an assistant golf coach at the University of Texas and serving as an athletic director, but coming back to Carroll is like coming back home.
COACHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS… was a unique opportunity and experience. I was able to work at the college level recruiting and be part of a Big 12 Championship, but my passion for high school athletics always remained purposeful and strong.
IN THE 2000s I WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY… to become a Division 1 college coach outside Texas, but I chose to stay in Texas to be closer to family as well as be a part of my children’s lives as they went through school. Therefore, my path took me to Midlothian ISD as Executive Director of Athletics.
THE POWER OF THE DRAGON CULTURE… stayed within me and has led me back to Carroll ISD as an athletic administrator. It has been a rewarding opportunity to follow in the footsteps of some amazing athletic directors who have set the foundation of greatness.
IT HAS BEEN REALLY REWARDING… to see some of the kids that I coached in the community when I was here the first time. I really enjoy seeing how they have grown up and the unique opportunity to get to know their families. The students, teachers, administration and community are very supportive of our athletic initiatives. I look forward to the relationships that I have and will be building in my future at Carroll as well as the ability to help influence the athlete’s high school experience.
I HAVE TWO… wonderful children: Kaylee (17), who will be graduating from high school this year, and Hogan (20), who is a student as well as a kicker at Fort Lewis College. Fun fact about Hogan: He started his educational experience at Jack Johnson Elementary as a Dragon!
