Laurie Roache Jakubczak '78

The following bio was published in September 2024

Laurie Roache Jakubczak ‘78 steadfastly guided the Mother McAuley Mighty Macs athletics program as the Athletic Director for 18 years, before retiring in the summer of 2024. Under her leadership, the program flourished, garnering recognition through five state championship titles, 13 state individual medalists, numerous regional and sectional championships, and the introduction of four new sports: cheerleading, lacrosse, wrestling, and most recently, flag football. 

Laurie graduated from Mother McAuley in 1978, just six years after Title IX was passed. Growing up, she had few opportunities to participate in sports, but as a student at McAuley, she became a member of the basketball team. This experience changed the trajectory of her life; she had found her passion, and pursued a career in athletics. After McAuley, she went on to receive her associate’s degree from Moraine Valley and her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Loras College. Since then, she has coached, supported and inspired hundreds of students throughout Chicago as the physical education teacher at St. Turibius, St. Bede, and Christ the King; and as the athletic director at Seton Academy, a position she held for 12 years before bringing her talent and vision back home to her alma mater. 

Laurie has served on the IHSA Water Polo Advisory Board, Softball Advisory Board, Selection Committee for IHSA All State Academic Team and IHSA Equity Committee; held the roles of both Vice President and Chairwoman of the Hall of Fame Committee for the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC); and has coached basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, and track at the high school level, motivating student athletes to attain their goals and become state qualifiers and conference champions. Laurie was named Illinois Athletic Director of the Year in District 1 twice (2015-16 and 2022-23), was inducted into the Seton Academy Hall of Fame and GCAC Hall of Fame, and has been recognized by her colleagues for her dedication and selflessness through both the prestigious Catherine McAuley Award and Heart of the School Award. 

Laurie has been married to her husband, Tom, for 28 years, and together raised their son Tom, their pride and joy. They have enjoyed watching him find his passion and excel in the McAuley theatre program, from his days in summer camp and summer theatre productions, to many performances throughout his high school career.