Chris Del Conte, Texas' athletic director, grabbed the national spotlight as he was named athletic director of the year by the Sports Business Journal, as reported by KXAN. The title was presented at the Sports Business Awards in New York City, an event marked on the industry's calendar as the 17th annual celebration of the playmakers behind the scenes. Del Conte stood out amongst a competitive field that included the likes of Trev Alberts, formerly at Nebraska and now Texas A&M, and Desiree Reed-Francois, who made the jump from Missouri to Arizona.

The Longhorn state is buzzing with more than just the balmy May heat, thanks to the University of Texas athletics program's record-breaking performance in the Big 12 Conference. Under Del Conte's tenure, the Longhorns secured 15 conference championships in a single year - a new institutional high recorded by KXAN. Reflecting on the groundbreaking year, the Texas sports juggernaut is not just breaking records, it's pulverizing them, as the rest of the schools in the Big 12 managed a combined total of 14 championships.

KXAN's coverage highlights some of Del Conte's notable endeavors, which include overseeing major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Moody Center and the initiation of the new indoor practice facility for the football program. These highlights showcase Del Conte's aptitude not only in steering Texas to athletic prominence but also in cementing its physical stake in the ground as a formidable, modern sports institution.

Since Del Conte's arrival in 2017, Texas has been riding a wave of success in NCAA sports that seems to swell larger every year. According to TexasSports.com, Texas won 12 NCAA team titles on his watch, and Longhorns teams made 14 NCAA runner-up finishes. Their athletic dominance was further emphasized with a signal to the College Football Playoff semifinals, an achievement that puts an exclamation mark on Del Conte's storied ballet of administrative prowess.

Chris Del Conte's role transcends mere athletic successes and delves into the fan experience. TexasSports.com illuminates this aspect of his leadership, stating that his initiatives have redefined fan engagement with new traditions such as Bevo Blvd., Longhorn City Limits, and Smokey's Midway. The personal touch, that delightful Texan hospitality on display, reflects how Del Conte isn't just an athletics director, he’s the maestro of a truly holistic athletic culture in Austin.