Washington resident Susie Knoblauch, will retire from her longtime role as IHSA assistant executive director at the end of 2025-26 school year.
Susie Knoblauch is headed toward the finish line of her long career with the Illinois High School Association.
The longtime IHSA administrator and assistant executive director, and wife of former Washington High School athletic director Herb Knoblauch, says she will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
"It has been a privilege to contribute to the (IHSA's) history and to help shape opportunities that set the stage for the future," Knoblauch said. "As I move into retirement, I do so with a full heart, knowing the work of the IHSA will continue to empower students for generations to come. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help students grow, find their voices, and shine through IHSA athletics and activities. Their passion and resilience have inspired me every single day."
Knoblauch, a Washington resident and graduate of Lowpoint-Washburn and Illinois State, spent 17 years as a teacher and coach, and joined the IHSA as assistant executive director in 2004. She moved on in 2014 to a role as director of performing arts and sports with the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) in Indianapolis.
In 2016, she returned to her assistant executive director role with the IHSA.
"There are very few people who can match Susie Knoblauch's diverse perspective on the immense impact high school sports and activities have on young people," IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said. "Susie's charisma and grace endured herself to everyone that she worked with throughout her career, and she will truly be missed.
"Whether she was in a room with lacrosse coaches, theater directors, or cheerleading coaches, she found a way to make deep connections in support of their students."
The NFHS presented Knoblauch with its Citation Award in July, one of the top honors that can be bestowed on individuals who work to promote the merits of high school athletics and performing arts.
"My time at the IHSA has been more than a job; it has been a journey filled with incredible people, inspiring challenges, and rewarding successes," said Knoblauch. "My colleagues at the IHSA, along with partners across the state and nation, have become lifelong friends and teammates in this important mission. I am immensely proud of what we've built together."
Knoblauch currently oversees girls lacrosse, speech, drama, solo and ensemble music, organizational music, and competitive cheerleading. She is also the state’s contact for spirit and serves as the staff liaison to the IHSA’s Activities Directors Advisory Committee.
She previously administered debate, boys tennis, and girls tennis for the IHSA as well.
"To everyone who has been part of this story, thank you," Knoblauch said. "I want to thank my family, especially my husband, Herb, and our son, Kyle, for their love, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout my career."
Dave Eminian is the Journal Star sports columnist, and covers Bradley men's basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sports column for pjstar.com. He can be reached at 686-3206 or [email protected]. Follow him on X.com @icetimecleve.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Washington resident, IHSA assistant executive director, announces retirement
Category: General Sports
