WILLIAM PILLA
Athletic Director
Tappan Zee High School
William exemplifies servant leadership, community impact, and the ability to elevate everyone around them through a profoundly student-centered approach to athletics. During a season-ending facility crisis, they coordinated community partners, volunteers, and booster groups to rebuild and reopen the space quickly, ensuring every team could continue competing uninterrupted while strengthening schoolβcommunity pride. They have removed barriers to participation by revamping tryout procedures, increasing access for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and first-time athletes. As a leader, William established a districtwide Athletic Director Mentorship Cohort, personally guiding new and aspiring ADs on budgeting, compliance, equity practices, and crisis management, many of whom have advanced into successful leadership roles under their mentorship. Through these efforts, William has built an inclusive, equitable, and high-achieving athletic culture, expanding opportunities for all students while supporting coaches and fellow administrators, leaving a lasting, transformative impact on the entire school community.