Congrats to Susan Slater, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Lexington Trails Middle School, on being named KIAAA - Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association AD of the Week.
Slater is in her 38th year in education and has spent her entire career in the De Soto School District.
A graduate of Olathe North High School, Slater earned her degree from Emporia State University and later completed her master’s in Educational Leadership at Pittsburg State. She began her career in 1988 as a paraprofessional before becoming a third grade teacher, eventually moving to Lexington Trails when it opened in 1995. Over the years, she has taught physical education, computers, served as yearbook advisor, and coached volleyball and track before transitioning into administration. She has served as a full-time Assistant Principal/Athletic Director since 2019.
“It has been my pleasure to be the athletic director at Lexington Trails,” Slater said. “An athletic director is only as good as the people around them, and we have an amazing staff, coaches, and community.”
Slater believes athletics go far beyond wins and losses, especially at the middle school level.
“One of the best moments was asking a player if she had fun after a match she didn’t even play in, and she said, ‘That was the best game ever.’ That’s what it’s about, helping students feel part of something.”
Her leadership is centered around positivity and growth, guided by her philosophy to “Stop and Find the Joy.” She emphasizes creating opportunities, supporting coaches, and building confidence in student-athletes.
The most rewarding part of her role comes from watching students experience success, whether it’s scoring their first basket, achieving a personal best, or simply being part of a team for the first time.
As she prepares to retire following the 2025–2026 school year, Slater reflects on a career defined by relationships, community, and impact.
“My entire career has been in this district, and I’m proud of what our students and staff have built together.”
Slater and her husband have three children and four grandchildren, and she looks forward to spending more time with family in retirement.
#sportsinkansas #KIAAA @KIAAAks
What a privelege to have @Shwatts32 speak to our team today! Shane had a great message about the value of consistency & enjoying the HS football experience! Thank you Shane for your time & example! We are so proud of you & wish you the best! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!
Shane Watts (De Soto HS/Fort Hays State) was signed by the New England Patriots on Tuesday (Aug. 12). He is the first FHSU player to be signed by an NFL team since 2019. Watts was an All-America Second Team selection by multiple organizations in 2024. Led the MIAA in rushing attempts (223), rushing yards (1,303), and rushing yards per game (118.5). Ranked fourth in NCAA Division II for total rushing yards and sixth in rushing yards per game. #sportsinkansas photo: FHSU Athletics
State debate: 4 Speaker: the team of Darling, Tsinnahjinnie, Manning, Villano & Standifer finished in 5th place.
2 Speaker: Madelyn Armitage & Makenzie Taliaferro finished 2nd with a record of 7-2.
With the 1st Overall Pick in the 2025 ESU Football Iron Hornet Draft, the Cash Sliders select: All-MIAA Defensive Back Tyler Schultze.
#2025IronHornetDraft🐝
De Soto's Farmer embraces bigger scoring role as she racks up records, milestones ... and wins | North Central Kansas girls basketball standouts
#KSHSAACovered x @CapFed
https://t.co/64OWDPQwRY
Mission Accomplished! These girls pulled off an incredible tourney with a 58-56 win over Washburn Rural! 🏆
@makenzie_farmer led the way w/35 points (21 in 4th quarter/OT) and 14 rebs and was named MVP!
@quinncarp20 anchored our defense and was named to all tournament team!
Congrats to these amazing De Soto Choir singers performing in the ECKMEA All-District Honor Choir today. Sydney Mater, Savannah Hendry, Braden Hoffman, Janessa Green, Anna English and Alayna Marvec