NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ENERGIZES COUGAR SPORTS By Adrianna Donat
- Adrianna Donat
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Her motto: We win!
Sjocquelyn Winstead made a lasting impression in her first year as Columbia High School’s athletic director. With enthusiasm, inclusive programs and a clear vision for the future, she is bringing new energy to Cougar sports.
“When the last bus pulls back into school, that’s when my job is done for the day,” she says. From early morning to late evening, she coordinates transportation for dozens of teams, ensures fields are prepped, checks in with coaches, communicates with parents and Cougar Boosters, and works to support current and future student-athletes.
Her mission: To remind everyone that sports are an extension of academics and that every athlete is a student first. A former varsity basketball captain, soccer player, softball player and cross-country runner, Winstead knows firsthand the transformational power of sports. Growing up with ESPN on in her home and a deep admiration for the WNBA, Winstead says athletics shaped her confidence, leadership style and career.
“Sports can take you on a journey,” she says. “They teach you how to lead, how to think critically, how to bounce back.” That journey led her to Rutgers University, where she served as a student manager for the women’s basketball team. She also found ways to lead off the court, eventually becoming head coach at Hillside Recreation Department and, after graduation, the girls’ basketball head coach at Hillside High School.
By 2009, she realized she could one day run an athletic department – even in a field still dominated by men. What made her choose Columbia High School? “CHS is one of the best academic high schools in Essex County,” Winstead says. “It’s a prestigious school with a legacy in track and field. I wanted to be part of a community that values excellence in all forms – academic, artistic and athletic.”
Winstead has prioritized developing strong middle school athletic programs. “I’m excited to see the foundation we’re laying for younger students who want to be part of CHS athletics one day,” she says. Board of Education President Nubia DuVall Wilson says the programs will be for seventh and eighth graders. “Through Athletic Director Winstead’s efforts, this upcoming school year our students will be able to experience interscholastic athletic competition, creating an in-district feeder program to Columbia High School and enhancing community involvement in our athletics,” she says.
And Wilson has a point. Supporting middle school athletes, educating them about their options to compete at CHS and getting them set up on their high school teams can be complicated. Athletes can get lost in the process. Winstead streamlined the athlete registration process and expanded outreach to incoming ninth graders and their families. “It used to be confusing,” she says. “Now we walk students through it, and we reach out to eighth grade families so we can build those relationships early.”
She’s also made strides in inclusivity. CHS now recognizes girls’ wrestling and flag football and has added boys’ volleyball as an emerging program. “We must meet the needs of all students,” she says, noting her focus on Title IX compliance and open communication with coaches and student-athletes. Student-athletes have taken note. “Winstead has been a huge help and made an immediate impact from the jump,” says Liam Ayers, class of 2027 and a member of the varsity basketball team. “Her help with the basketball team and being so interested and aware with what’s going on shows that someone else cares. She’s made decisions that are going to leave a big impact on the Columbia basketball team and program that’ll benefit us in years to come.”
Colin Brandt, class of 2026 and a varsity football team member, says Winstead has made a large impact. “Ms. Winstead has been a big help to the football team. By starting a girls’ flag football program, she helped us get funding from the Jets, which got us new gear and other upgrades that really helped the team,” he says. “Beyond that she’s been an active presence for all student-athletes. Whether it’s showing up to games, checking in with players or making sure we have what we need, she’s made a big impact in a short time.”
One of Winstead’s proudest moments this year was signing day. “We have Division 1, 2 and 3 athletes at CHS,” she says. “I asked each one to send me a pennant from the school they signed with so we can celebrate and display them. It was a highlight of the year.” But getting her student-athletes to signing day had some obstacles.
The biggest challenge, she says, is access to facilities. With only one turf field and multiple teams vying for space, it’s tough to maintain equity or give athletes the practice time they need. The softball team currently practices off campus. “It’s like you have one classroom and you’re trying to fit 18 classes in it,” Winstead says. “Our teams deserve the best facilities. We’re academically and artistically great. Our athletes deserve the same support.”
The community has stepped up. From the people in the stands, to Cougar Boosters to parent volunteers organizing banquets and end-of-season celebrations, Winstead says she’s inspired by the way people show up. “It anchors our teams,” she says. “It provides that extra level of care.” Still, her focus remains squarely on the students. “Athletics is education-based,” she says. “You may not be the strongest student academically, but sports can grow your confidence and critical thinking skills. Every moment on the field is a chance to learn.” Winstead hopes that message continues to resonate. Her own story – from high school team captain to the leadership role she holds now – is proof that sports can shape a life. As for her motto? It’s simple and right on brand: We WIN!
Adrianna Donat is a local writer, real estate agent with Pollock Properties Group and lifelong fan of game day chants, team spirit and underdog victories. She believes a great coach – and a good pair of sneakers – can change your life.
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