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EVSC spotlight: athletics program reports 1,800+ student athletes and academic supports
Summary
Director of athletics Joe Herman told the board EVSC offers 20 varsity sports per high school, more than 1,800 student athletes, 100+ varsity teams and 250+ coaches and outlined grade checks, study tables and coach training to support academics.
Joe Herman, the district’s director of athletics, presented a district athletics update highlighting participation and academic supports. "We have 20 sports offered for each high school varsity sports, over 1,800 student athletes, a 100 plus varsity teams, and over 250 coaches," he said.
Herman described academic interventions tied to athletics: grade checks every two weeks for coaches and athletic directors to monitor student grades, enrichment study tables during the school day and before practice, and coach training to reinforce academic expectations. He noted that last winter 158 athletes received varsity letters for a 3.5 GPA or higher, representing 53% of varsity winter participants, and said the district aims to increase that percentage.
Board members asked how the district strengthens feeder programs and supports students who do not make varsity. Herman emphasized building early relationships between high school coaches and elementary/middle school students and said counselors and athletic offices help students navigate college eligibility and recruitment processes. Trustees also discussed emerging sports (girls lacrosse listed as emerging with the IHSA; boys lacrosse remains club status) and local facility upgrades to support athletics.
The presentation positioned athletics as a tool for attendance, graduation rates and GPA improvement while noting the district will continue training and supports for coaches and athletic directors.
