Shannon Whitmer to be Honored at National Girls and Women in Sports Day Saturday, February 12

The $3 game day vouchers, sponsored by Idaho State Athletics, will be handed out at Saturday’s game (no limit). Along with $3 admission, the first 300 K-6th grade age children will receive a t-shirt and a goody bag. Please wear a mask to this event.

 

This year’s theme is Lead Her Forward. At half-time, the 2022 Trailblazer Award will be presented to Shannon Whitmer. This award, given annually, recognizes a woman who has an affiliation to Idaho State University and who has provided significant leadership and mentorship to women in sports. 

 

Whitmer attended Idaho State University from 1989 to 1995 where she participated in cross country. Whitmer graduated from the College of Education in 1993 with a double major in education and physical education. She then went on to receive her Master of Physical Education in Athletic Administration degree in 1995, also from the College of Education. 

 

Whitmer currently teaches health professions at Pocatello High School and is the high school’s track and cross country coach. Whitmer has been a coach for over 20 years.

 

“My coaching philosophy is centered around involvement and building relationships. Obviously as a coach you want to see athletes succeed, but everyone's successes are measured in different ways. We will go to a cross country race where over 200 athletes will start, and there is only one athlete who will cross the finish line first," she said. "So, finding ways to help motivate athletes to push themselves not only in a race, but also at practice is very important. I think the bonds that are formed on a team are so important for the culture of that team and can lead to lifelong friendships.“ 

 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. NGWSD honors the achievements and recognizes the progress of girls and women in sports, and the benefits that sport and fitness activities can bring to the lives of all girls and women. 

 

“I am very fortunate to have had many opportunities in life, which I knew were not afforded to women before me," Whitmer said. "Those opportunities have brought me to where I am today and I want to be able to pass that on to the student athletes whom I am so thankful to work with everyday.”  

 

Whitmer is still very active. She likes to run and train with her athletes and spend time outdoors doing activities such as cross country skiing, kayaking, and walking her dog. 

 

For more information about National Girls and Women in Sports Day call the ISU Human Performance and Sport Studies Department at (208) 282-4852 or email hpss@isu.edu.