Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Port Arthur Independent School District made history Thursday night by hiring Nicole Harris as the first female athletic director in the district’s 125-year history. 

A proud native of Port Arthur, and a 1987 graduate of Lincoln High School, Harris brings with her an impressive 27 years of experience in sports and education, demonstrating a profound expertise in state and district guidelines, along with program evaluation for TEA and UIL compliance. With her extensive background, Harris is set to develop a vertically aligned PreK-12 athletic program that will engage all students in our district. 

Harris has held pivotal positions throughout her career, such as: Campus Athletic Coordinator at Sam Houston Math and Science Technology Center in Houston, Texas; Physical Education/Health Department Chair; and Basketball and Volleyball Coach. Her contributions to sports and education have not gone unnoticed. Among her many accolades, she is recognized as the first minority female campus athletic coordinator in Houston, and was honored as the Houston Coaches Association Female Coach of the Year. Additionally, her resume states she received the prestigious Teacher of the Year and Houston Rockets Coach of the Year awards. Harris also served on the Texas Girls Coaches Association State Volleyball Nominating Committee. 

Dr. Mark Porterie, Superintendent of PAISD Schools, expressed his enthusiasm about this groundbreaking appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Harris back to her hometown. Her strengths, experience, and fresh ideas will undoubtedly be tremendous assets to our district. I am more than certain she will eagerly share her wealth of knowledge and experience, and make a significant impact on our students’ athletic development in every sport at every grade level.” 

Port Arthur is ready to embrace this new chapter in its athletic program, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. As Ms. Harris steps into her new role, the district looks forward to witnessing the transformation and growth she will inspire within the PAISD community.