CSD Athletics: Bulldog News

Bulldog Families,

With the completion of BHMS Boys' Soccer tryouts this week, and upcoming tryouts for DHS Flag Football, we can officially say we are in full swing! We have enjoyed watching our Bulldogs prepare and love seeing them complete and grow as a team. If you haven't been to a competition, check the schedules below for upcoming home matches. You're missing out on some exciting action!!

We will soon stop producing weekly newsletters and all of the information you need to know will be located at decaturbulldogsathletics.com and on our new mobile app. Please download the DECATUR BULLDOGS ATHLETICS mobile app! Getting the latest sports updates just got a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or a lifelong fan, the app is your new all-access pass to everything Decatur Athletics. After just 3 weeks of school, over 700 Bulldog athletes, parents, and supporters have downloaded the app to follow their teams. This will be our main point of communication from the Athletic Department and our teams moving forward. Follow the instructions below to get set up. If you don't wan't to add a new app to your phone, bookmark decaturbulldogsathletics.com in your browser. Don't miss a single play this season!

Why download?

• Real-Time News: Get instantly notified about game schedules, score updates, and roster changes.

• Direct Communication: Seamless internal updates for parents, coaches, and student-athletes.

• Everything in One Place: Access photos, announcements, and team pages right from your phone.

Please click the following link from your mobile device to be taken to either Apple or Google Play to download the app now: https://go.ballfrog.com/decatur-bulldogs

1. Make sure you "Allow Notifications" when you download the app

2. Sign into the app with your cell number and complete a very brief account profile

3. Click on the teams page and be sure to follow all of the teams in the app you’d like to hear from!

4. You can do this by clicking into the specific team sections, then tapping the “Follow” button at the top of the page!

If you have any questions or need guidance relating to our programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Go Bulldogs!!

Director of Activities & Athletics: Rodney Thomas

(rthomas@csdecatur.net)

Assistant Activities & Athletics Director: David Harbin

(dharbin@csdecatur.net)

Bookkeeper & Administrative Assistant: Kelli Aaron

(kaaron@csdecatur.net)

In addition to our new website and mobile app, @DecaturBulldogsAthletics is officially live! Follow us on IG to connect with our athletes, coaches, and the rest of Bulldog Nation.

On August 31, we welcome back Amy Bryant of Bryant College Coaching for an information session on navigating the recruitment process as a high school student-athlete. Amy Bryant is a National Champion Tennis Coach, formerly at Emory University, who has transitioned to serving student-athletes and their families throughout the recruitment process. In past years, this session has been well-received by both students and parents at all grade levels. Students considering participation in college athletics will leave with a lot of valuable information. This is a session you do not want to miss!

We will meet in the DHS Library at 6:30 PM.

Check out bryantcollegecoaching.com for more information about Amy Bryant.

Our Student-Athlete Leadership Team kicked off the year strong with a clear purpose and a high-energy agenda!

• Refining Our Mission: Re-anchored our core values and defined how we want to represent and advocate for our student-athlete community this year.

• Organizational Goals: Mapped out our key targets and priorities for the upcoming season to elevate our impact on and off the field.

• Team Building & Leadership: Participated in an interactive workshop focused on communication, trust, and dynamic leadership styles.

• The Science of Goal-Setting: Dove into the psychology of effective goal-setting and put theory into practice with a 4-step actionable framework:

1. Set a goal – Define a clear, meaningful target.

2. Write it down – Turn abstract ideas into concrete commitments.

3. Make a plan – Break down the vision into actionable daily habits.

4. Share it with a friend – Build peer accountability and mutual support.

Every leader walked away with individual and team-wide goals locked in. Big things are coming this year—stay tuned!

All students interested in Wrestling should attend the Interest Meeting with Coach Salvador on September 3 at 4 PM. The meeting will be held in Coach Salvador's room, RM 2543.

All students and parents interested in Baseball are invited to attend the Interest Meeting on September 3. Coach Jefferson will discuss important information, such as schedules and expectations. The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM.

Calling all interested swimmers and divers! Our Swim & Dive Team interest meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 6pm in the Beacon Hill Cafeteria. ALL interested middle and high school athletes and parents should plan to attend this meeting. We will include important information such as schedules, dues, gear, & expectations. See you there!

All students interested in Boys' Lacrosse should attend the Interest Meeting with Coach Kasper on September 30 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the DHS Cafeteria.

Decatur High School students without a smartphone have the option to email our Athletic Director, Mr. Rodney Thomas, or our Principal, Dr. Duane Sprull, to make ticket arrangements. Communication must be at least 48 hours before the event.

Please note: This process will not apply to GHSA Playoff events hosted at Decatur High School.

We’re excited to welcome everyone to our events this year, and we are committed to ensuring every fan feels both safe and welcomed at our athletic events.

To streamline entry and support a positive experience, here’s what to know:

• Weapons detection systems will be in use at the gates to enhance safety and peace of mind.

• Bag guidelines: Only clear bags are allowed—either a clear bag up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a small clutch (around 4.5″ × 6.5″). Exceptions are made for medically necessary or diaper bags, which will be subject to inspection.

• Faster entry is easier entry: Bringing fewer items helps everyone move through the screening process more smoothly and swiftly.

Thank you for your cooperation, and for helping us create a welcoming and secure atmosphere for Bulldog Nation.

Learn more about how you can become a Bulldog Sponsor for the 2025-26 school year by clicking the button below.

We are a community of parents and guardians dedicated to enhancing the athletic experience at both DHS and BHMS—and we want you involved! Joining us is a great way to meet other families and directly impact your student's season. We meet the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the DHS Performing Arts Center (PAC) hospitality suite. Mark your calendars for our upcoming 2025-2026 meetings.

• Remaining 2026 meeting dates: Mar. 9 | Apr. 13 | May 11

Get game day ready for the season! Decatur Bulldog Booster spirit wear is here — support our DHS and Beacon Hill teams by grabbing hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, clear bag totes, and cozy PJ sets.

📍 Pick up your order at the September 4 DHS football game or choose home delivery within the City of Decatur for $5.

Order at the link HERE. Sizes are subject to inventory availability.

Show your Decatur pride and GO BULLDOGS! 🐾💙

Stay in the know on all things Boosters by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

@Decatur Bulldog Boosters

@rwtd5k

@decaturbulldogbash

August 27 - JV Football vs. Maynard Jackson - 6:00 PM

August 27 - BHMS/JV/V Volleyball vs. Paideia - 5:00 PM

August 28 - V Softball vs. Shiloh - 5:30 PM

August 29 - BHMS Football vs. Hollis MS - 10:00 AM

September 1 - JV Volleyball vs. Galloway - 5:30 PM

September 1 - BHMS 6/7 Soccer vs. Howard - 5:30 PM

September 2 - JV Softball vs. Mt. Vernon - 5:30 PM

September 3 - JV Football vs. GAC - 6:00 PM

September 3 - V Softball vs. Chamblee - 5:30 PM

September 4 - V Football vs. Shiloh - 7:00 PM

September 5 - BHMS Football vs. Sylvan MS - 10:00 AM

Throughout the year, we will use this section to highlight the incredible staff members who go above and beyond to support our student-athletes. From the classroom to the sidelines, our educators have proven time and again that they are more than instructors—they are mentors, cheerleaders, and true champions for our students.

A huge thank you to all of our teachers, administrators, and staff for an incredible year of dedication to our student-athletes! We look forward to keeping the momentum going and highlighting even more of our amazing staff when we return in the fall. If you already have an educator in mind who deserves recognition next season, keep those nominations ready!

Shifting our mindset is sometimes the difference between breaking through to the next level of success. This episode from "The Sports Psychology Coaching Podcast" highlights three keys to playing freely for student-athletes.

• Give Your Mind a Simple Target
• Have an Action Plan for Mistakes
• Measure Commitments, Not Results

At the end of the day, sports should be fun—but what if your athlete has bigger dreams?

Whether they’re aiming for a spot on the middle school team, a college scholarship, or even the pros, chasing big goals takes more than just skill. It takes a roadmap. Many sports families start this journey early, which is awesome, but the road comes with real challenges for both the athlete and the parents.

In this episode of Pure Athlete, the hosts break down how to help your young athlete reach their full potential without burning out.