AKRON – Tippecanoe Valley School Board unanimously approved the hire of a new athletic director during its regular board meeting Monday.

Gina Hierlmeier will replace Duane Burkhart, who announced his retirement effective the end of the school year.

Hierlmeier works at John Glenn High School. Prior to that position, she taught at Wabash Middle School, West Central High School, Culver High/Middle School and Marian High School in Mishawaka.

Hierlmeier said, “I am thrilled to join Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation and athletic community. I am looking forward to working closely with our administration, coaches, and student athletes to continue the solid tradition of Viking athletics.”



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She received a number of awards during her teaching and coaching career, including Western Governors University Task 6 Educational Leadership Practicum Excellence Award, three Coach of the Year honors for varsity basketball and volleyball, five sectional championships for varsity basketball and volleyball, and four conference championships for varsity basketball.

Chad Cripe, TVHS principal said, “Gina has a proven track record in the classroom as an excellent teacher and on the hardwood as a player and coach. Her qualifications, personality and commitment to excellence made her rise above other candidates from an extremely competitive and qualified pool of applicants,” he said.

Hierlmeier holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education at IPFW in Fort Wayne, Masters of Education from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, and a Masters of Educational Leadership at Western Governors University.