Miami Ohio University Athletics
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CINCINNATI -- One of Miami's own was honored with a special award at the Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association banquet earlier this month. Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Jennie Gilbert was named the Mary Jo Huismann Administrator of the Year.
Gilbert has been with Miami the past 10 and a half years in a variety of roles. Currently she oversees nine sports teams, which include those coaching staffs and over 300 student-athletes. She is on the senior executive staff, which works to assist and advise Athletic Director David Sayler and is the liaison for 14 different sports to the Mid-American Conference.
In addition, as Senior Woman Administrator, Gilbert is responsible for ensuring an equitable experience for all student-athletes. As part of the Graduating Champions mission, she is in charge of the overall student experience. That includes leadership development, organizing community service, career mentoring, mental health and wellness, diversity and inclusion initiatives, conduct issues and opportunities for all student-athletes.
Gilbert was nominated for this award by Miami volleyball coach Carolyn Condit. A former student-athlete herself, Gilbert played volleyball for the Red and White under Condit from 1985-87. This past decade, Gilbert and Condit have worked hand-in-hand with the RedHawk volleyball program, culminating in winning back-to-back MAC Championships the past two seasons.
"Jennie is a unique and effective administrator for many teams at Miami," said Condit. "She possesses the heart and energy of a competitive athlete, yet the diplomacy, work ethic and determination one finds in very self-driven, successful individuals. Her pride in Miami as a former student-athlete is something special that she carries with her every day in serving others. Jennie is very worthy of this special honor and it is a highlight of my career to work with her."
This award is named for Mary Jo Huismann, the legendary basketball coach of Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati from 1972-2018. She also was the athletic director at the school for 39 years until 2011. Gilbert graduated from Mercy and knows Huismann well.
"I am completely humbled and honored to have been nominated by my college coach for an award that was named after my high school athletic director," said Gilbert. "Both of these women were inspirational to me. To be recognized by friends and colleagues in the athletic industry is very special, and I am grateful to be able to do what I love at Miami University and with our RedHawk family."
Gilbert was not the only person from Miami honored by the Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association. Three student-athletes, Olivia Rusek, Pei Lin and Paula Portugal were honored for their achievements on the field. To read more about them, click HERE.