YHC names Michael Ross as Athletic Director

by Steve Esser

Young Harris, GA (08/28/2026) — It's a homecoming for both Blairsville and Union County as Michael Ross returns to the region as Athletic Director for Young Harris College.

The native of Blairsville stepped into the role as head of YHC's Athletics program July 13, bringing a variety of experience in sports management and college athletics. He is also well known in the area, as his family has been involved throughout the region for many years supporting area athletics and education.

"I grew up three miles from this campus, so these mountains will always be a special place for me," Ross said. "If there's one constant in my life, it's that I love this place and the people."

His father was a coach for Union County High School, while his mother worked in the Union County School System. His grandfather was also known in the region, Kenneth Ross, as the one who coached the Murray County High School boys' basketball team to three state championships in the 1960s.

"Athletics plays a vital role in the life of Young Harris College, and with that in mind, we undertook a thorough search for a strong, visionary leader to guide our program forward. I am pleased to share that Michael Ross is our new Athletic Director," said Young Harris College President John Wells. "A native of North Georgia, Michael brings a deep appreciation for our region and, as a former student-athlete, a valuable first-hand understanding of the student experience. His background also includes service as a professor at a sister institution, giving him a clear perspective on the importance of the classroom in shaping well-rounded student success. We are excited for the leadership, insight, and energy Michael will bring to this role."

Ross comes to YHC having been on both sides of the proverbial ball. The former student-athlete played collegiate basketball at Georgia College and State University and Piedmont University. He then worked on the professional side with the Atlanta Hawks, in facility and game day operations at Suwanee Sports Academy, as well as in academia, being Assistant Athletic Director at Union County Schools, and most recently serving as Department Chair and Professor of Sport Management at Shorter University.

"I feel I bring a multi-faceted approach to athletics," Ross said, "but I also like to keep it simple. We are focused here on the students and helping them be successful student-athletes. My goal is to serve the students and coaches and ensure they have what they need to succeed."

Ross is excited to join an athletic program like YHC's where the College is coming off a successful 2025-2026 campaign. Both men's and women's soccer teams won their respective conference titles, as did the baseball team and women's lacrosse team. Both men's and women's basketball went deep into conference play, with the men's team winning the conference championship before playing in the NCAA Division 2 tournament.

The YH Athletics program has also set several records for academic performance as well by the student-athletes.

"YHC's history of athletic and academic performance is well known," Ross said. "They have set a standard for excellence here that I am excited to be a part of and see continue. We have established programs here that are accustomed to performing at a highly competitive level."

Ross has also established his own athletic business, Elite Level Training, a sports skill development company geared towards increasing skills and functional movement capabilities. He served as Department Chair and Tenured Professor of Sport Management and Faculty Athletics Representative for Shorter University. And he currently serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation as well as a senior writer for the Journal of NCAA Compliance.

He has a Ph.D. in Sport Management from Troy University and a Master's in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Georgia.

"Our focus will be to serve - whether it's the student-athletes, the community, or the College," Ross said. "Community engagement and service will be pillars of our program. I look forward to my time here at YHC."

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