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The Role of Faith in Athletics Hiring

Pepperdine Athletic Director Steve Potts smiles in Firestone Fieldhouse in fall 2019 as Men’s Volleyball Associate Head Coach Paul Carroll stands in the background. Since his arrival in 2011, Potts said he prioritized a three-pronged approach to his hires – Christian values, academic excellence and competing for championships – in that order. Photo courtesy of Morgan Davenport

Steve Potts is in his 12th year as athletic director at Pepperdine, and said the most important part of his job is hiring people.

When searching for a new coach or staff member in the athletic department, Potts focuses on three aspects of the Pepperdine Athletics mission: Christian values, the academic well-being of student athletes and competing for championships — in that order.