Tacoma Public Schools is proud to recognize Rhonda Stinson, athletic director at Mount Tahoma High School, for being named the Puget Sound League Athletic Director of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.  

This honor is peer-selected by the high school athletic directors representing all 12 schools in the Puget Sound League, reflecting the high level of professional respect Stinson has earned through her leadership, collaboration and service to students.

Stinson became Mount Tahoma’s athletic director in 2019. During her tenure, the school’s athletics program has experienced significant growth in student participation, as well as expanded opportunities across multiple sports. The growth is the result of intentional program development, expanded roster opportunities and a student-centered approach that prioritized access, inclusion and participation. Stinson’s leadership has strengthened program stability while maintaining high expectations for safety, compliance and sportsmanship.

“Rhonda’s selection for this recognition is a testament to her professionalism, organizational skills and unwavering commitment to students,” said TPS Director of Athletics and Activities James Neil.  

For Stinson, this award is more than a professional achievement—it’s deeply personal. A Thunderbird through and through, she graduated from Mount Tahoma, where she was a star volleyball player and a three-sport athlete. Her connection to Mount Tahoma runs far deeper than job titles or accolades.

As she said, “I’ve always bled red and gold.”