Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School regretfully announces the retirement of Nancy Pedersen, athletic director, effective June 30, 2006.  In her 23 years of dedicated service to McAuley, Pedersen has built an exceptional athletic program featuring 10 interscholastic sports teams employing more than 30 coaches.

Pedersen began her career at McAuley in 1983 as a physical education teacher and head volleyball and softball coach.  She was promoted to Athletic Director in 1994.  During her tenure she has led McAuley to nine volleyball state championships, revived the water polo program and established the golf program.  She has been named National Volleyball Coach of the Year (1998) and Athletic Director of the Year (1999).  Pedersen has been inducted into the GCAC Hall of Fame (2002) and the Chicagoland Hall of Fame (2004).  In addition, Pedersen helped found the nationally recognized Nike Volleyball Challenge, McAuley Preview, and she was instrumental in securing funds for the complete renovation of McAuley’s softball and soccer fields.

Pedersen has been very committed to her career but is now looking forward to the freedom of retirement, saying:  “For the past 33 years, education and athletics have consumed my life at McAuley and in Wisconsin.  I have always enjoyed my work, and I look forward to taking a step back and watching some of the athletes I have coached and coaches I have mentored take over and flourish. 

I thank McAuley for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.  I hope to keep in touch with all the magnificent people I have been associated with throughout the years.  I may even have time for a lunch or a dinner date!”

McAuley is delighted to announce that Pedersen has agreed to serve as transitional consultant to the incoming Athletic Director, to manage the summer programs, and to assist with the Sophomore Junior Varsity Classic, the McAuley Preview, and the Nike Volleyball Challenge Tournament.  A search for a new Athletic Director will begin immediately.