Ann Arbor Greenhills Athletics Recognized as 'Exemplary' by NIAAA

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

July 29, 2022

Ann Arbor Greenhills’ athletic department has been selected for a Quality Program Award from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), becoming the first Michigan school to receive the exemplary-level honor since the QPA was introduced in 2009.

Programs were considered by the NIAAA based on 10 assessment categories that aspire to “encourage measurement, planning and goal setting aimed at continuous improvement of local school athletic programs.” Greenhills will be recognized for the achievement during December’s NIAAA/NFHS National Athletic Directors Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

Greenhills sponsors 21 sports, and 247 of the school’s 355 students during the 2021-22 school year participated on at least one team.

"At Greenhills, we have always prided ourselves on continuous improvement, and aim to provide an exemplary experience for all of our student-athletes,” athletic director Meg Seng said. “The NIAAA Quality Program assessment guided us through a comprehensive examination of our entire athletic program. This exercise affirmed many of our strengths and also highlighted areas in which we can continue to improve. 

“We remain motivated to measure, innovate and improve our program to benefit the student experience. While we are extremely grateful and proud for the recognition, the true value came while engaging in a thorough audit and working alongside dedicated colleagues during the process."

Greenhills previously received an Exemplary Athletic Program Award in 2017 from the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA).

PHOTO The Ann Arbor Greenhills girls tennis team celebrates its Lower Peninsula Division 4 championship won last month. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.) 

Title IX at 50: WISL Award Honors Builders of State's Girls Sports Tradition

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 1, 2022

Michigan’s school sports history is filled with women who and have and continue to take on giant roles to advance girls athletics and the opportunities and benefits they provide.

Since 1990, the MHSAA has celebrated pioneers, advocates, voices and leaders with the Women In Sports Leadership Award.

From L’Anse’s Carol Seavoy in 1990 through St. Ignace’s Dorene Ingalls in 2021, 34 women have received the WISL Award, which most recently has been presented either during the biennial WISL Conference in Lansing or during the Girls Basketball Finals at Michigan State’s Breslin Center.

The 35th WISL Award winner will be announced in coming weeks.

Below is the list of the first 34 honorees:

1990 – Carol Seavoy, L’Anse
1991 – Diane Laffey, Harper Woods
1992 – Patricia Ashby, Scotts
1993 – Jo Lake, Grosse Pointe
1994 – Brenda Gatlin, Detroit
1995 – Jane Bennett, Ann Arbor
1996 – Cheryl Amos-Helmicki, Huntington Woods
1997 – Delores L. Elswick, Detroit
1998 – Karen S. Leinaar, Delton
1999 – Kathy McGee, Flint
2000 – Pat Richardson, Grass Lake
2001 – Suzanne Martin, East Lansing
2002 – Susan Barthold, Kentwood
2003 – Nancy Clark, Flint
2004 – Kathy Vruggink Westdorp, Grand Rapids
2005 – Barbara Redding, Capac
2006 – Melanie Miller, Lansing
2007 – Jan Sander, Warren Woods
2008 – Jane Bos, Grand Rapids
2009 – Gail Ganakas, Flint; Deb VanKuiken, Holly
2010 – Gina Mazzolini, Lansing
2011 – Ellen Pugh, West Branch; Patti Tibaldi, Traverse City
2012 – Janet Gillette, Comstock Park
2013 – Barbara Beckett, Traverse City
2014 – Teri Reyburn, DeWitt
2015 – Jean LaClair, Bronson
2016 – Betty Wroubel, Pontiac
2017 – Dottie Davis, Ann Arbor
2018 – Meg Seng, Ann Arbor
2019 – Kris Isom, Adrian
2020 – Nikki Norris, East Lansing
2021 – Dorene Ingalls, St. Ignace

Second Half's weekly Title IX Celebration posts are sponsored by Michigan Army National Guard.

Previous Title IX at 50 Spotlights

Jan. 18: Decades Later, Edwards' Legend Continues to Grow - Read
Jan. 18: Iron Mountain Completes Championship Climb - Read
Jan. 11: Harrold's Achievement Heralds Growth of Girls Wrestling - Read
Dec. 20: Competitive Cheer Gives Michigan Plenty to Cheer About - Read
Dec. 14: 
Evelyn's Game Had Plenty of Magic - Read
Dec. 7: 
Council Term Ends, But Leinaar Leaves Lasting Impact - Read
Nov. 30: 
Basketball Season Ready to Add to Rich Tradition - Read
Nov. 23: 
Marysville Builds Winning Streak Yet to be Challenged - Read
Nov. 16: Wroubel Has Championed Girls School Sports from Their Start - Read
Nov. 9: Pioneer's Joyce Legendary in Michigan, National Swim History - Read
Nov. 2: Royal Oak's Finch Leading Way on Football Field - Read
Oct. 26: Coach Clegg Sets Championship Standard at Grand Blanc - Read
Oct. 19: Rockford Girls Set Pace, Hundreds After Have Continued to Chase - Read
Oct. 12: 
Bedford Volleyball Pioneer Continues Blazing Record-Setting Trail - Read
Oct. 5: 
Warner Paved Way to Legend Status with Record Rounds - Read
Sept. 28: Taylor Kennedy Gymnasts Earn Fame as 1st Champions - Read
Sept. 21: 
Portage Northern Star Byington Becomes Play-by-Play Pioneer - Read
Sept. 14: 
Guerra/Groat Legacy Continues to Serve St. Philip Well - Read
Sept. 7: 
Best-Ever Conversation Must Include Leland's Glass - Read
Aug. 31: We Will Celebrate Many Who Paved the Way - Read

PHOTO Brenda Gatlin accepts the 1994 WISL Award from former MHSAA Representative Council president Brian Callaghan. (MHSAA file photo.)