David Hines: A Legacy in Arizona High School Sports
Since 1978, David Hines has been deeply involved in high school sports in Arizona. As the executive director of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), overseeing high school sports and activities across the state, Hines has left an indelible mark on the industry. However, his 47-year career will come to a close with his retirement at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Upon announcing his retirement, Hines reflected on his journey, stating, “I have enjoyed each stop on my way to this position and the different roles I have served in. I’ve enjoyed working with the people in our office and alongside the statewide membership. But I’m not done yet. We still have a lot to accomplish this year.”
Hines’ roots in Arizona run deep, graduating from Tempe High School in 1973, Mesa Community College in 1975, and Arizona State University in 1977. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 1992.
Throughout his career, Hines transitioned from teaching and coaching roles in Mesa to administrative positions, eventually landing the role of executive director of the AIA in 2017. Under his leadership, the AIA has seen significant additions and innovations in high school sports, including the introduction of Open Division playoffs and the sanctioning of new sports like beach volleyball, girls wrestling, and adaptive sports.
Reflecting on his career, Hines shared, “The things we’re doing with the Open Division and the true state championships, we’re elevating that to coincide with the growth of Arizona. We now have kids that are very competitive nationally and are able to go up against schools in states considered to be high-powered.”
As Hines prepares to pass the torch, his legacy as a transformative figure in Arizona high school sports is secure. His replacement as the executive director of the AIA has yet to be announced, but the impact of David Hines will be felt for years to come.
Arizona Sports Scene
The city of Phoenix boasts a vibrant sports scene, with major professional teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Diamondbacks calling the city home. Additionally, the Valley hosts a variety of major sporting events throughout the year, including college football’s Fiesta Bowl, NASCAR events, and Cactus League Spring Training.
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