“I know the strong tradition that Notre Dame has for academics as well as athletics,” said Stephanie Mathu, Notre Dame’s new athletic director.

Mathu taught health and physical education at Bay Port for the past 16 years. She was also the girls’ varsity basketball coach for nine years, girls’ varsity golf coach for two years and coached volleyball and softball as well. Mathu seems to have done it all, but this is her first athletic director position.

“This is a new adventure for me,” said Mathu.

Mathu grew up on the east side of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and went to Preble for high school. After graduating from Preble, she went to the University of Dayton where she played Division I basketball. She then earned her master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University at Irvine.

“Athletics has played a huge role in my life. I have learned many valuable life lessons that I carry with me every day. I always wanted to coach, and being an athletic director allows me to be involved in all aspects of athletics,” said Mathu.

Mathu is already loving Notre Dame and is looking forward to her future here.

“I have loved getting to meet and know the staff, students and families associated with Notre Dame Academy,” said Mathu. “[I’m looking forward to] seeing the success of the athletic programs and the hard work that is put in by coaches and athletes.”

Mathu is ready for this new adventure but with it comes many difficulties.

“[The hardest part will be] learning all of the things that need to be done and when they need to be completed [and] discovering the ins and outs of being a successful athletic director,” said Mathu.

Mathu hopes to see great things happen in Notre Dame’s athletics in these next few years.

“[I hope] to be competitive in the FRCC in each and every sport and to display outstanding sportsmanship as representatives of the school,” said Mathu.

Athletics are a major part of Mathu’s life, and her interest in them spans outside of her career as an athletic director.

“I love to watch and play all types of sports. I am a huge Packer, Badger, Bucks and Brewer fan. I enjoy golfing whenever I can,” said Mathu.

“I am grateful that Notre Dame believed in me to provide this opportunity to live out my passion for athletics,” she said.