Khadijah Ali ready to take over as Dougherty County Athletic Director

By Joe Whitfield

ALBANY — The whistle that once guided Lady Trojans on the basketball court will soon direct an entire district’s athletic future.

Khadijah Ali, the architect behind a decade of Dougherty High School basketball excellence and recent administrative advancement, will take over as Dougherty County’s athletic director this June. She replaces Olympic gold medalist Lea Henry, who is retiring.

Ali’s journey—from assistant coach at Albany State University to head coach, administrator, and now district leader—exemplifies persistence, vision, and purpose.

“Keep your focus where your feet are,” said Ali, sharing the personal motto that’s guided her through ten seasons at Dougherty and during her earlier years as ASU’s assistant women’s basketball coach and head tennis coach.

Over the past three years, Ali has balanced multiple roles: girls’ basketball coach, school athletic director, and school administration manager—experience that has prepared her for the broader challenges ahead.

As she steps into county-wide leadership, Ali already has a strategic plan in motion.

“My immediate focus is identifying quick wins,” she said. “I’m listening to coaches, understanding each school’s unique needs, and building communication bridges across the district.”

Her strategy centers on three key initiatives: expanding student participation, amplifying the district’s athletic brand, and streamlining operations. The ultimate goal is creating more pathways for student success both on and off the field.

Ali emphasizes the importance of long-term vision as well.

“I want to work with our school district leaders and community partners to build a comprehensive athletics feeder system starting at the elementary level,” she said. “It’s about building something sustainable that gives kids the right foundation early.”

During her tenure as Dougherty High’s athletic director, Ali pioneered several initiatives she hopes to implement district-wide. Under her leadership, the school added flag football and eSports—becoming the only school in the county to offer these programs. She also enhanced the school’s athletic brand through expanded social media presence and increased visibility for student-athletes.

Additionally, Ali implemented an electronic platform to digitize athletic compliance, helping Dougherty stay aligned with Georgia High School Association regulations while improving efficiency.

“I hope to work with the principals and athletic directors to expand all of these initiatives across the county,” Ali said.

As a woman of color stepping into this prominent role, Ali recognizes the broader significance of her appointment.

“I hope my presence shows young girls, especially girls who look like me, that leadership has no limits. They can lead, break barriers, and do it while being completely themselves,” she said.

“For me, this isn’t about titles; it’s about being visible and accessible and showing young people what’s possible through hard work, faith, and commitment. If my journey inspires even one girl to believe in herself, I know I’m doing something right.”

For Ali, who began her athletics administration career through a college work-study role, this step into district leadership fulfills a long-held vision.

“I didn’t just want to play the game; I wanted to build something bigger,” she said.

Now, as she prepares to succeed Henry, Ali has her sights set on an ambitious future.

“Our county has such a rich athletic history,” she said. “My goal is to celebrate that legacy and make sure our future is just as bright.