Behind every sports season, someone makes sure everything runs smoothly. Sports secretary Tara McQuay helps organize games, practices, and events so they go as planned. She handles the details that keep school sports running throughout the year.

“On a daily basis, I take care of anything that needs to be purchased for the department, travel for the students, taking care of the building,” McQuay said. “If any work orders need to be put in, we put those in, planning events like big school events like Meet the Eagles and senior night.”

With dozens of teams, coaches, and events to coordinate, McQuay’s role requires organization and attention to detail. 

“The hardest part about managing all the different sports is making sure you have everybody’s schedule correct,” McQuay said. “Making sure the game-day bags are ready with the money for the tickets, and just making sure the coaches have everything they need so they can facilitate.”

To stay on top of everything, McQuay said she relies on a few simple resources.

“We have a lot of email correspondence, so that’s a big one,” McQuay said. “I also write a running to-do list every day, so I cross those off whenever I’m done.”

Because of her passion for helping others, McQuay got involved in this position at Prosper.

“[I loved] planning Meet the Eagles and watching the seniors come through the tunnel and get really hyped about it,” McQuay said. “It’s their last time, and it’s just really special to see.”

McQuay said that planning events also can come with challenges. 

“One of the most challenging things I did was the Meet the Eagles,” McQuay said. “I had to contact all the different departments and make sure everybody was ready on time.”

Through her work, the sports secretary said she learned valuable skills that extend far beyond the athletic office. 

“It’s definitely taught me organizational skills and people skills,” McQuay said. “Communication is key in [this] role. I’m on the phone, we text, and we create a calendar and Google Calendar invites.”

McQuay said people recognize just how much effort goes into keeping PHS athletics running smoothly.

“I’m the person behind the scenes that’s helping facilitate everything and making sure everything goes smoothly,” McQuay said. “That the athletes have what they need, equipment-wise, uniforms, things like that.”

Outside of work, McQuay’s life is just as busy.

“We’re a military family with four kids, and we’ve lived here for about a year,” McQuay said. “I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in sociology — not that I’m really using it, but that’s okay.”

McQuay said sports have always been a part of her life.

“In middle school, I played basketball and volleyball,” McQuay said. “Now, my own son plays baseball.”

As for her goals this school year, McQuay’s focus is set on the students.

“My goal is to make sure that the students have a great experience during their sports season,” McQuay said. “I want everything to go smoothly for them.”

This article was edited by Kate Duncan, Emily Logan and Yousuf Ali.