USSA names Vilade as Alumnus of the Year

DAPHNE, Ala. – The United States Sports Academy named University Athletic Director and head baseball coach James Vilade as their 2010 Alumnus of the Year. Vilade earned a Master’s degree in sports management in 2003 from the USSA.

“The USSA’s curriculum prepared me for the challenges any administrator faces in athletics, while helping me create a vision for athletics advancement and development,” Vilade said in a statement released by the University. “A master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy has allowed me to advance in athletics through preparation. I have entered every new challenge with confidence and a plan for success.”

Vilade came to Tyler in 2003 to start the University’s baseball program. The team has earned 194 wins, four American Southwest Conference East Division titles, one ASC championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III Regionals under Vilade’s command.

“Starting a baseball program from scratch was one of the biggest challenges in my career,” Vilade said in a statement released by USSA. “While the challenges were great, the rewards were greater. Sending nineteen players to professional baseball and winning four championships in six years shows the dedication our players and staff have...”

The University’s athletic programs won a record seven American Southwest Conference titles in  the 2008-2009 season, Vilade’s first as athletic director. Seven teams and five individuals competed in NCAA National Championships as well.

Vilade also serves on the board of directors for Food Fast Children’s Charities and The Boys & Girls Clubs of East Texas. Vilade has helped build the E.H. Almand Scholarship Fund and the Sports Cards for Kids in Texas program.

The Alumnus of the Year award is given annually by the USSA to “one alumnus of the Academy who best exemplifies its values while excelling in and out of competition.”

Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach and San Antonio Spurs Assistant General Manager Dennis Lindsey are among many who have received the award. Vilade will receive the award Jan. 22 at the USSA Board of Trustees’ annual meeting in Daphne, Ala.