Next week marks Jason Linders’ two-year milestone with Gordon Athletics, and the impact he’s made in a short time is remarkable.
Linders came to Gordon with a big vision to build a new culture for Athletics, and so far, he has made strong progress toward it. From implementing new protocols and hiring coaches to adding student leadership opportunities, he is setting up the department to reach its full potential.
When Linders was first introduced as Athletic Director in 2024, he set forth his vision for the future of the department.
This vision included more deeply rooting Gordon Athletics in faith, leadership, service, and learning by encouraging the full development of student-athletes and reflecting the school’s mission.
Linders decided to take his own approach to the faith, character, leadership, competition, and service taglines of Gordon Athletics.
“Before Jason, those were ordered alphabetically, but he made the change to put faith first,” said coach Zachary Scarano, the new head coach of men’s lacrosse. “And that shows Jason’s heart.”
This small change reflects his passion for reaching the goals he brought with him. Since the change, more teams have been hosting Bible studies, coaches meet for group study, and a Fellowship of Christian Athletes branch has been started at Gordon.
Caleb Stuart, the junior captain of the baseball team, testified to this shift when asked about the biggest change Linders has brought.
“I believe there is a revival happening within Gordon Athletics,” Stuart said. “Many teams, including baseball, have reoriented Christ as the foundation of the program, and I believe the fruits of this transformation are easily visible from an external lens.”
Through the changes Stuart has experienced since committing to Gordon, he agrees that Linders is on track to complete his vision for the department—not only through the hiring of coaches who align with the College’s mission, but also through the implementation of student leadership opportunities.
“Ever since Linders has taken over as AD, there has been a significant increase in opportunities for student-athletes to voice their thoughts,” Stuart said.
One specific impact Jason Linders has made is reigniting the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to allow athletes the chance to have input and grow in leadership skills.
“SAAC has never been run well at Gordon,” Associate Athletic Director Cory Ward said. “Jason is committed to making it run better. He wants it to be successful so that students can be heard and learn to lead.”
By restarting this segment of leadership, it shows that Linders wants to collaborate with and lead student-athletes in ways that help their experience at Gordon reach its full potential.
Scarano said one of the things that drew him to Gordon is how clearly the department and college seek to live out the values they talk about. He describes the culture Linders has created by emphasizing the words faith and competitive excellence.
“Because of Jason, there is a desire among the coaches to deepen their faith and cultivate competitive excellence,” he said. “The fact that Gordon is centered on both creates an encouraging environment to be a part of.”
While focused on the development of character within Athletics, Linders has also helped teams grow into more successful programs.
He has hired eight coaches who better reflect his vision for the department and have added more wins to their records. More school records have been broken, athletes have been involved in community outreach, and Gordon has gained seven new corporate sponsors since Linders took charge.
The foundation has been laid in the last two years, but he is just getting started.
“He has more visions for the department, and because of the system he’s started, once it catches momentum, we can work toward them,” Ward said. “I’m excited for what else he’s going to bring.”
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