North Lamar ISD is proud to announce the hiring of Monty Leaf as the district’s new Athletic Director. He brings with him nearly two decades of experience in Texas public education, along with a proven track record of building strong athletic programs.
Leaf currently serves as Deputy Director of Athletics at Colorado City ISD, where he has grown student participation in athletics and has expanded opportunities for all student-athletes. He has held leadership roles at Eustace ISD, Birdville ISD, and McKinney North High School. He consistently focuses on strengthening programs, building team culture, and supporting student success.
Before entering education, Leaf served as a Sergeant in the United States Army, where he developed the leadership style he implements today. A graduate of Texas Tech University, he has extensive athletic experience and was named a nominee for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football “Game Changing Coach of the Year” in 2025.
Leaf is known for building culture—not just teams—by creating strong connections between middle school and high school programs and emphasizing character development throughout athletics. He has implemented district-wide leadership academies and year-round strength and conditioning programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Leaf to North Lamar ISD,” said Superintendent Kelli Stewart. “His leadership style, commitment to student growth, and ability to build strong, unified programs stood out throughout the interview process. We believe he is the right person to lead, grow and promote our athletic program. We are excited for the positive impact he will have on our students, staff, and community. He and his family will be a wonderful addition to our Panther family.”
Leaf said, “Sometimes in life, an opportunity presents itself that you simply can’t ignore. You may not be able to fully explain it, and you may not know exactly why, but something about it just feels right. When I saw the opening for Athletic Director at North Lamar ISD, I felt that pull immediately. For me, the decision was both personal and professional. Next year marks my 20th year in education, and this opportunity represents the culmination of a journey—one that has taken me from coach, to coordinator, to Boys AD/Head Football Coach, to AD/Head Football Coach, to Deputy Director of Athletics, and now to Athletic Director at North Lamar ISD. We constantly challenge our athletes to set goals, chase their dreams, and create a plan to achieve them. This moment is a reflection of that very process. On a personal level, this opportunity allows my family and me to become part of a community where we can truly put down roots. In this profession, movement is often part of the journey, but we have been praying for the right place to call home. When this opportunity arose, we prayed, trusted God, and asked Him to ‘put our feet where He wants our feet.’ We are incredibly grateful that He has led us to North Lamar ISD, and we are excited to embrace this community and build a life here together.”
North Lamar ISD looks forward to the leadership and vision Coach Leaf will bring to Panther athletics as the district continues to build on its tradition of excellence.
