Chad Olson

We are absolutely heartbroken about the tragic and senseless death of Ayden Burt early Tuesday morning. We know first hand that she was a wonderful person and a great coach who was passionate about the work she was doing to help the young people in East Texas excel. Our convention is all about celebrating the coaching profession and bringing people together. Ayden was having fun at an offsite networking event with her fellow coaches and what happened is truly unimaginable. To be laughing and sharing stories with her colleagues one moment and fighting for her life the next due to a mindless and heinous act is difficult to comprehend. San Antonio has always been a great host and a safe place for our coaches and it’s why we love coming there. We know the authorities will work tirelessly to find the perpetrators and we are hopeful they will be brought to justice. Meanwhile, our community of coaches is devastated and a loving family is grieving. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends and the Jasper community. On behalf of the entire Texas High School Coaches Association, we will be making a benevolence fund donation to her family to provide additional support during this incredibly difficult time. #THSCAstrong- Joe Martin, Executive Director, Texas High School Coaches Association