Kenny Owens, who has helped to shape the DC State Athletic Association’s growth since its creation in 2012, on Tuesday was named the agency’s executive director. 

Owens previously was the DCSAA’s Director of Sports and Activities. He also had been serving as the DCSAA’s interim executive director for the past three months following the passing of former executive director Clark Ray. 

“It is an honor to be trusted with this responsibility,” Owens said. “The DCSAA looks forward to continuing Clark’s legacy of creating and promoting opportunities for student-athletes to excel on the playing courts and fields. Our staff looks forward to giving everything we have to optimize the experience for DC’s student-athletes.” 

Having worked with DCSAA since its inception, Owens has been involved in every facet of the agency’s operation. The DCSAA originally was formed to create a state championship in football, but now organizes state championships for public, public charter and private schools in 18 sports. 

A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Georgetown University, Owens enjoyed a standout career as a soccer player. He was named a high school All-American by Parade magazine and was named first-team All-Big East Conference and team most valuable player at Georgetown. He also was a member of the United States under-20 national team and continues coaching youth soccer. 

“Kenny leads with a wealth of experience, having been an athlete in this city in his youth, playing collegiately in this city and working his professional career in this city,” DC State Athletic Commission Chairperson Rosalyn Overstreet-Gonzalez said. “We could not be in better hands going forward. Clark Ray meant so much to this city and Kenny looks forward to continuing Clark’s vision and creating his own legacy.” 

To learn more about the District of Columbia State Athletic Association, please visit www.dcsaasports.org.