By Malachi Warren – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law hired a new Athletic Director, Ms. Bickelhaupt, this year, replacing former Athletic Director Tom Drew.

Bickelhaupt said she has enjoyed the fall season so far and loves her new role at Law.

“It’s been great,” Bickelhaput said. “Everyone has been very welcoming and has shown me the Jonathan Law way since I’ve been here. It’s been really fun supporting them, especially in the fall, and meeting the winter and spring coaches, who I’ll be seeing in action soon.”

Most recently, Bickelhaupt served as a Business Teacher, Athletic Events Site Director, and Head Varsity Volleyball and Head Basketball Coach at Valley Regional High School. During her coaching tenure, she guided her teams to seven championship appearances, earned multiple Shoreline Conference titles and a Class S State Championship in volleyball.

Head Football Coach Ryan Pearson said Bickelhaupt has already had a positive impact at Law.

“When getting a new Athletic Director, I was very concerned because you don’t know the person yet, especially when replacing Tom Drew, who I consider a close friend of mine,” Pearson said. “But all my concerns went away from the moment I sat down and met with her. I have to say hiring her has been amazing I’m proud to have her as our Athletic Director and excited for the direction Law athletics is heading with her in charge. She has a ton of experience in high school and college. She is someone I can always go to with a question, concern, or just need another opinion.”

Fall captains have also noticed changes throughout the Athletic Department. Many athletes and captains have said they feel positive about the change and believe it has brought a new mentality to Law athletics.

“So far, the transition has been very smooth,” Volleyball Coach Ms. Loch said. “Ms. B. is very helpful.”

With a new Athletic Director in place, Law’s Athletic Department is going through a period of change.  Bickelhaupt has brought new expectations and ideas and has built a vision for the future of Law athletics.

As the school year continues, athletes will have to adjust to the new expectations while also doing their part to build a stronger athletic community at Law.

“It’s been a pretty smooth transition and I think she’s doing a good job so far,” senior football captain Matthew Witteman said.

Bickelhaupt hopes to bring athletes, coaches, and the school community closer together while creating a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere for Law sports.

“She is a State Championship-winning coach, and she’s sharing this with other coaches,” Cross Country Coach Mr. Beler said.