![Director of Athletics Receives National Certification]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785783091/friendsbaltorg/ylwf36shpl7i4jf0gzbd/610e14_2kOsgxb2TeS9BqhKER9Plw_PhotobyDeanD281080x1080px_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785783091/friendsbaltorg/ylwf36shpl7i4jf0gzbd/610e14_2kOsgxb2TeS9BqhKER9Plw_PhotobyDeanD281080x1080px_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785783091/friendsbaltorg/ylwf36shpl7i4jf0gzbd/610e14_2kOsgxb2TeS9BqhKER9Plw_PhotobyDeanD281080x1080px_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785783091/friendsbaltorg/ylwf36shpl7i4jf0gzbd/610e14_2kOsgxb2TeS9BqhKER9Plw_PhotobyDeanD281080x1080px_1.png","width":1080}])
Congratulations to Friends School of Baltimore's Director of Athletics, Kara Carlin, on her recognition by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator; one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators worldwide to attain this level of professionalism.
Carlin, through her work in developing Friends School's Bridge the Gap program, has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions, and ongoing professional development in the interscholastic athletic administration field to earn this distinction. This voluntary certification process includes a thorough evaluation of the candidate's educational background, experience, NIAAA Leadership Training Courses, and professional courses, culminating with a practical written or oral presentation project.
About Friends School's Bridge the Gap Program:
The Bridge the Gap program is a student-athlete leadership and mentorship program between Friends Middle School student-athletes and Johns Hopkins University student-athletes. The collaborative learning program holds monthly meetings to promote character development, leadership, and community building through sports-based mentorship and facilitate the transition for Friends students from Middle School to Upper School athletics. Bridge the Gap works to foster resilience in athletes, build relationships that support youth development, and encourage dialogue around mental health, sportsmanship, and academic balance.
About the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA):
The NIAAA is an accredited and professional organization for interscholastic athletic administrators. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NIAAA's mission is to provide professional development options for directors of athletics in order to enhance the athletic administration profession. With a current membership of over 12,000 individuals, the NIAAA consists of member state athletic administrator associations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and internationally. The NIAAA champions athletic administrators through education opportunities and leader development, as well as advocating ethics and fostering community.