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NS athletic director Cheryl Hadley is being recognized for her excellent work for NS student athletes and coaches. The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) has awarded Hadley the Athletic Director of the Year award, which is on a statewide-level.
“[Hadley’s] dedication to our students and student-athletes has been exemplary as she has served as a math teacher, coach, assistant athletic director, and as the current athletic director for the past six years,” the recommendation letter written by NS principal Christine Straatman reads.
Hadley has been at NS for 31 years, working in student athletics all that time. This year her position became full time, after years of both teaching and acting as athletic director (AD) with assistant AD Tyler Bailey.
“I really enjoy working with Cheryl,” Bailey said. “She’s very organized, she is fair, she wants what’s best for all students at North Sanpete.”
To be awarded this honor, Hadley was elected Athletic Director Executive Committee (ADEC) representative of District 12, which is the district NS falls in. She was then recommended by Straatman for the UHSAA Distinguished Service Award. She was invited to the award ceremony on Jan. 17, 2024.
“As a school and region, we are grateful for Cheryl‘s continued commitment to our athletic and extracurricular programs,” Straat- man’s letter to the UHSAA Selection Committee reads, “and feel that she is very much deserving of the Distinguished Service Award, and the honor of being selected as Athletic Director of the Year.”
Straatman said that she absolute- ly expected Hadley to win the award, describing her as “one of the best ADs [she’s] ever worked with.”
Bailey agrees with this.
“She’s as good as there is when it comes to being an athletic director,” Bailey said.
Athletic directors do a lot for student athletes and coaches alike.
“I don’t even know how to [explain what I do], but a lot of that kind of stuff, the making sure things are ready to go and athletes and coaches are clear to participate,” Hadley said.
In addition to attending games and events, she helps student athletes to maintain eligibility, assists coaches with their certifications, supports teams and individuals with transportation and much more.
“We’re very appreciative as a school, as a faculty, for the work that she does and the time that she puts in,” Bailey said.
Hadley is very supportive of the student athletes she works with.
“That’s the fun part of it, going to the activities and watching the kids.” Hadley said. “That’s the reward of all the other things that you do.”
The outcomes of the games go beyond the wins and losses.
“I love working with the students and watching them at their events, from beginning of season to end and seeing the growth,” Hadley said. “Whether they win or lose, I want our athletes and coaches to see and feel my support, encouragement, and appreciation.”
