CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has selected James “Tra” Waters as the association’s new Assistant Commissioner of Sports & Championships. Waters has been with the NCHSAA for 11 years in various capacities and currently serves as Director of Sports & Championships.

During his 11 years, Waters played a crucial role in the NCHSAA 2017-2021 Realignment process as the lead staff member on the project. He also directed the sports of Football, Men’s Basketball, Wrestling, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, as well as Men’s and Women’s Tennis. Waters has also handled penalty correspondence while managing the the penalty and violations database. Prior to his current role, he served as Assistant Director of Sports, Officiating Administrator and had a stint as the NCHSAA’s Development Intern.

Water’s academic background includes a prestigious Johnston Scholar designation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and Minored in Exercise and Sports Science/Coaching. He received a Master’s of Arts in Health Education and Promotion from East Carolina University in 2010 and graduated valedictorian of his class at Lincolnton High School in 2001.

Commissioner Que Tucker said, “We are very excited to see Tra take this next step in his career here with us at the NCHSAA. We had a field of very qualified candidates, but Tra’s experience and dedication helped demonstrate that he was ultimately the right choice to continue moving the NCHSAA forward toward our goal of being the national model in high school athletics.”

“I am humbled by this new opportunity and excited for my transition into this new role. I would like to thank the selection committee, along with Commissioner Tucker, for their confidence in my abilities,” Waters said. He added, “I look forward to working closely with our team to promote education-based athletics in North Carolina for many years to come.”