Alumni Allison Edens transitions from student to athletic director

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ALUMNI STATUS: Allison Edens (third from left) poses for a photo with classmates as graduation comes to a conclusion. Edens class of 2012 would become the first class to experience all four years of highschool at West Broward from freshman to senior year. Photo curtosey of Allison Edens

By: Mariana De Jesus

Allison Edens has been a part of the West Broward community for over 15 years. From her time as a high school student to now being a well immersed educator, Edens has won over the campus and has accumulated several new roles and responsibilities. Being quite familiar with the school and the faculty, her ability to do so well in all the programs she oversees is evident in their growth and success.
While teaching both tenth and twelfth grade english, Edens is also the head coach of the girls volleyball teams, head of the alumni board, and has newly adopted the role as full time athletic director (AD) after first being assistant AD to former AD, Edgardo Lopez. Her alumni status has even gained her the opportunity to become the Alumni board President where she can oversee operations conducted by past bobcats. Under her supervision, the areas she influences have the opportunity to grow under someone who has been rooted into the school since her personal highschool years. Her perspective and determination allows her to influence the different programs in a manner in which they will thrive.
“Edens is a phenomenal teacher, she’s an instructional leader, her kids absolutely love her, parents love her and she’s had a lot of success in the classroom which carries over to her leadership as a coach in nature, coaching volleyball. Now she’s leading the charge with all sports,” said Principle Brad Fattout. “I have nothing but amazing reviews from parents, students, staff as well as the community and the whole district who say she’s doing a phenomenal job.”

ACTIVE ADMINISTRATOR: Edens began helping with the athletic programs during the 2021-2022 school year as assistant AD. This will be her first year acting as full time athletic director. Photo by Savannah Anselmo

Edens began high school in 2008 and graduated as a part of the class of 2012. Making her class the first to spend all four consecutive high school years at West Broward. Her time here consisted of great memories, Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes, as well as being a part of the girls varsity volleyball team. Teachers like Dennis Rodrigues AP Human Geography and personal finance teacher, played a great role in Eden’s story here at West Broward. Edens immersed herself in as many challenging learning opportunities as she could. Post graduation, Edens attended Florida Atlantic University (FAU) where she would seek out a bachelor’s english degree with a minor in psychology and a concentration in British literature. About a year into her college education, Edens decided to gear her English degree into the direction of becoming a teacher.
“She took AP Human Geography with me as a ninth grader. She always had a very positive attitude and has always been a go getter,” said Mr. Rodrigues. “She’s a really good person who really loves West Broward. I like to say that you know her heart is here in West Broward being an alumni, she remembers the way West Broward was when she was a student and she wants to bring back the school spirit that we had back in those days.”

**FROM PLAYER TO COACH:** While in high school, Edens played varsity volleyball. After being hired in 2017, she began as an assistant coach but now holds the title of head coach for the girls varsity team. Photo courtesy of Allison Edens

After graduating from FAU in May of 2017, Edens imagined herself teaching in the school she once learned from. She was hired shortly after her graduation and began working as an eleventh grade English teacher and the assistant varsity volleyball coach. She would then be promoted to full time varsity volleyball coach and lead a successful team that won multiple district championships and become regional finalists multiple times. Her coaching and dedication to the sport has allowed the teams to gain prestige and dominate the courts over the years. Extending her athletic responsibilities, Edens has currently transitioned from holding the title of assistant AD to being the only AD. She now manages all athletic programs, ensuring that the athletes and coaches are fully equipped to do well in their craft.
“I’m a fixer. I like to fix things and make things better. Hence one of the reasons I found myself in this position that I’m in now,” said Edens. “If there aren’t people in the teaching world who can provide that sort of structure and discipline, drive and motivation, then we’ll be in a really bad spot and then the next couple of decades, so not trying to be biased, but I think that’s important. That’s why I’m here; to make things better for the future.”
Edens acts as a special educator who is able to resonate with both students and teachers, being that she was once a student at the same school she currently teaches at. As Edens accumulates these roles, the different programs continue to be transformed and influenced positively by a figure who is willing to work her hardest for the programs success.
“Seeing that direct impact is what makes it worth it,” Edens said. “Even in athletics like opening more communication by talking to the teams to find what they need and making things happen. Seeing the result of a better functioning, happier team, or a team that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention and getting more people involved in that team and seeing them grow and thrive- that’s what makes it worth it.”