Photo by Danny Fulgencio.
Lake Highlands High School’s Lonnie Jordan has accepted a job as athletic director for Highland Park Independent School District. His new post is not official until he’s approved by the district’s board of trustees, which has a special called meeting set for 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 2.
Once HPISD makes it official, Jordan will put his whistle into mothballs. As district athletic director, he’ll be coaching coaches, from gymnastics to golf, from softball to swimming, from wrestling to water polo. Highland Park, of course, competes with Lake Highlands in 7-6A.
Jordan first came to LHHS as offensive coordinator for the football team in 2008, then he was recruited by McKinney High School to become assistant head coach in 2010 and head coach at Lone Oak after that. He returned to become head coach and athletic coordinator for the Wildcats in 2015.
Jordan, who raised his three children in LH schools with wife Laura, has been a frequent participant in community activities. At the Exchange Club’s annual back-to-school meeting each August, he introduced his team captains and previewed the season’s expected highs and lows. He sang the praises of his players at signing days, where student athletes commit to college programs. Last week, he was “all dad” as daughter Ellie collected a scholarship from the Lake Highlands Women’s League.
In a letter to LHHS teachers and parents, Jordan shared that he was making the change with “mixed emotions.”
“This was a very difficult decision, but the timing and opportunity are both right for me to take the next step into administration. I am and will always be incredibly thankful for this community. You have cared for not only me, but my entire family. My children have gone through junior high and high school with your children. We have been parents together, and you have supported, encouraged and walked with me, my wife, and our children through good times and bad.
“Please know that some of my greatest joys have come from coaching and supporting your children as they have grown, competed, learned and succeeded in their sport. From summers spent with your children at camps to a men’s basketball state championship, you have given me the most incredible experiences I could have ever imagined. Lake Highlands is truly the School of Champions.
“The coaches and staff at Lake Highlands High School have become my dearest friends. I thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and loyalty over the years. We have worked side by side to create a special experience for our LH athletes. I leave knowing that Lake Highlands Athletics is in the hands of great coaches with a genuine heart for kids.”
Congratulations, Coach. Lake Highlands wishes you and your family well. We’ll be cheering for you — every week but one.
