The IHSA Board of Directors met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 11, 2017, where the Board announced the hiring of Raye McDonald (right) as the IHSA’s Coordinator of Special Programs.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Illinois High School Association staff,” said McDonald. “This is a major step for me, both professionally and personally, and I am thrilled to contribute to the exceptional work of this organization.”

McDonald comes to the IHSA from Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where she has served as an Assistant in the Athletic Department since 2015. Her administrative duties at the school included coordinating schedules, team travel, assignment of officials, gameday operations of over 30 high school and middle school teams, as well as compliance with Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) by-laws.

“We are very pleased to be able to welcome Raye to the IHSA team,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “She has shown an unbridled work ethic, and genuine passion for helping students throughout her career. We believe she will be a valuable asset in advancing the IHSA programs she administers and promoting the Association’s mission as a whole.”

Before joining Battle Ground Academy, McDonald served as the Video Services Coordinator for Belmont University Athletics in Nashville, Tennessee. She has immersed herself in a variety of professional experiences in the sports world, having previously served as a Sports Reporter for MTTV Channel 10 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She also completed three internships, including a marketing role with D1 Sports Training and Therapy, as a Blue Belle campus liaison at Middle Tennessee State, and in event marketing and management with Elite Athletic Events.

“Raye’s diverse work experience really set her apart in the search process,” said Anderson. “Her time in high school and college athletics, as well as with private organizations, will allow her to bring a unique perspective to the IHSA. I look forward to her calling upon her past experiences to enhance the IHSA and its programs.”

McDonald is a 2006 graduate of Franklin High School in Franklin, Tennessee, where she participated in girls’ lacrosse as a student-athlete. She graduated Cum Laude from Middle Tennessee State in 2010 with a Degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting and also holds a Master’s Degree in Sport Administration from Belmont University.

“I am confident my experiences working in collegiate athletics and my time at Battle Ground Academy have adequately prepared me for this position,” said McDonald. “I am excited to work with the IHSA staff, community, and Illinois member schools.”

McDonald’s initial duties at the IHSA are expected to include oversight of the March Madness Experience, preparation of state final elements for all tournaments, and facilitation of the IHSA Road Race.