The Grit Leadership Story

Hear from our founder, Kevin Broene, on how he used his decades of experience as an Athletic Director and Coach to build the tool that allowed him, and now so many others, to help transform coaches into experts and kids into grittier, more resilient young men and women.

Grit Leadership exists to equip and empower leaders to build a grittier and more resilient generation.

Our Founder

Kevin began his educational career in the Chicago suburbs nearly more than 17 years ago. Currently a middle school Athletic Director and high school Assistant Athletic Director at Grand Rapids Christian High School (Michigan), Kevin has a variety of educational leadership experience. He has been a classroom teacher, a physical education teacher, admissions counselor, and an athletic director during his time in education. He has coached a myriad of educational athletics from the middle school level up head coach of high school varsity athletics.

Kevin earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 2010 while working in the Chicagoland area. Six years later, he earned his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) designation from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association (NIAAA) in 2016. In 2018, he was named Athletic Director of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) in part for his work in the development of the Grit Leadership program.

Firsthand Experience & Perspective

Currently, Kevin is uniquely positioned “in the trenches” with athletic directors, coaches (current Varsity Golf Coach, Regional Coach of the Year 2021), and parents (currently has kids participating in youth athletics). He is a Teaching Fellow at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership program as an advisor to schools around the country for Excellence in Educational Athletics. His work has touched more than 100 schools. Kevin’s evaluation software, training programs, and practical experiences are directly impacting schools in 12 states, almost 48 school systems, and counting.

Kevin has been married since 2005 to his wife Stephanie. He loves being a husband to Stephanie and a father to his son Jacob and twin daughters Abigail and Sophia.

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School Testimonials

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"Grit Leadership has been a vital source for me as a new athletic director. The evaluation creates a partnership between coaches and ADs to have non-threatening, data-driven, improvement-based conversations. Kevin is always accessible and has been a great friend and partner as I grow and improve as a leader."

David Kool

Athletic Director, South Christian High School

"Observing Kevin and Grit Leadership impact athletic programs has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my role at Baylor University. Kevin is equipped and prepared to lead athletic departments to raise their standard of excellence. If you care about improving your athletic program and helping students, you need to contact Grit Leadership, today."

Matt Thomas

Executive Director, Center for School Leadership Baylor University

"Like our athletes, I need constant “nudges” to keep from getting complacent and Grit Leadership provides that. It has been a huge blessing to not only me but our athletic program as well. Kevin is always available to help, and there is absolutely no question that he wants our students and our program to flourish."

David Schenk

Athletic Director, Heritage Christian Academy

"Grit Leadership is a win-win-win. I’m better equipped as a coach. My athletes are performing better on the field. And, most importantly, my athletes are better prepared for life beyond sport."

Aric Dershem

Varsity Soccer, Grand Rapids Christian High School