Page 8 - 2022-23 Annual Report

LET TER FROM THE COMMIS SIONER LET TER FROM THE COMMIS SIONER

LETTER FROM “It is because of educators that we can lean into

the COMMISSIONER the idea of the purity of high school sports—

because their goal is greater than winning.
Educators are concerned, first and foremost, with

Dear Supporters of Education-Based Athletics: helping students learn through athletics.”

It is with great pleasure that I present to you this year’s annual report.
As we reflect on the past year and the accomplishments of our student-
athletes, we cannot overlook the importance of those who make it all
possible. To the teachers, administrators, athletic directors, and coaches
who choose to serve in the eye of the public, I extend a heartfelt thank you.

Education-based athletics have always been paramount to our health
as a society. It is my belief that they become more important as society
advances. What separates high school sports from other forms of athletics
is the emphasis on education first. And this emphasis is made possible by
the educators who carry a servant leadership mindset and who give more
than they take.

It is because of educators that we can lean into the idea of the purity of high
school sports—because their goal is greater than winning. Educators are
concerned, first and foremost, with helping students learn through athletics.

In an age where issues like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) are
encroaching on education-based entities and athletics, it is essential to
remember what high school sports in our state are truly about. Educators
remind us that the ultimate reward of high school sports is not necessarily
a championship or a statistical achievement but rather the growth and
development that comes from the lessons learned along the way.

As we celebrate this year’s athletic accomplishments, let us also reflect on
the importance of education-based athletics and the valuable life lessons
they provide. We are grateful for the opportunity to support our student-
athletes in their pursuit of excellence, and we will continue to prioritize
education first.

Thank you for being a champion of education-based athletics in Indiana.

Sincerely,

Paul Neidig
Commissioner
Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.
#ThisIsYourIHSAA

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