We Are the League Feature Series: Meet Nancy Manderfeld

Editor's Note: Welcome to We Are the League, a feature series that recognizes the work, dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who are essential in making opportunities within the Minnesota State High School League a truly great experience for all. During this series, you will meet an incredible array of individuals, including student-participants, who will share their journeys through education-based activities. The League hopes you enjoy this recognition series.

My high school journey

• My high school years were on the cusp of Title IX so opportunities for girls were extremely limited. My journey at New Ulm Cathedral included band, school newspaper, yearbook, Speech, student council, class officer, parent-teacher-student senate, intramurals and senior year extramural basketball. New Ulm also had a strong park and recreation program, and from an early age, I signed up for as many sports activities as possible. I had more leadership opportunities than athletics, but I played with determination and passion, making the most of what was available. I was driven by the challenge and the joy of competing and played volleyball and softball for the Southwest State Pintos and three years of softball for the Mavericks at Mankato State. My mother was an educator and public speaker, and it seemed a natural fit for me as well. I taught elementary physical and adaptive education in Waterville-Elysian, coached junior varsity volleyball and basketball, was a head track and field coach and then softball. Working with elementary and high school students was a joy and I cherish the memories of those years. I then moved into the private sector and began officiating high school volleyball and basketball and advanced to Division III basketball. My cousin, Mary, was coaching basketball at Edina High School, and I began announcing for the Hornets and was the first female to announce the League's girls basketball tournament as well as the Minnesota Gophers Women’s Basketball team. Travel started to separate me from those opportunities, but my desire to stay connected to high school athletics was strong and Mary encouraged me to apply for the open Region 6AA secretary position. Almost 35 years later, it is still an honor and privilege to serve in that capacity.

Favorite high school memories

• Part of parochial school was a strict uniform policy for girls: skirts, blouses and blazers. A highlight was the school board accepting my proposal to allow girls to wear pants in the winter. It was a game-changer! After scoring 30 points in an extramural basketball game against the public-school team, I thought I was going to be the female version of Pete Maravich, but that was not the case. Even though we did not have sanctioned girls sports, I was proud to receive a scholarship from the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (AAPHER) my last year, as well as the honor of addressing our senior class at graduation. Ultimately, it was friendships, the drive to excel, whether in academics or physical activities, and opportunities to create change that mattered the most. . . . One morning in freshman homeroom, a nun came into our classroom and took all the boys to another room. Our homeroom nun proceeded to hand out the “Betty Crocker Homemaker” test to the girls. I raised my hand and said unless the boys came back and we all took the test, I would not participate. I was asked to leave school for the day. I knew my mother, who died when I was 13, would have been proud of me. My dad picked me up, shook his head and smiled. . . . In my first year of coaching junior high basketball, we were down at halftime. My dad walked past the bench and mouthed two words to me, “bounce pass.”  As you might imagine, the second half turned in our favor. 

Why I enjoy being involved with high school activities

• There is an intrinsic link between competition and leadership as both require collaboration, accountability, motivation, discipline, teamwork and a host of other qualities. I found high school to be the foundation for those principles throughout my life. In teaching, making sure every student felt valued, and in coaching, to be a leader that girls and young women wanted to follow. In business, to foster a sense of camaraderie and trust and encourage professional and personal growth. It is a privilege to work for the League's directors and staff and serve as the Region 6AA secretary to provide athletes and fine art students with the best possible experiences. Working multiple section and state tournaments brings back the excitement of competition as a player, coach and official. I am fortunate to work alongside exceptional activities directors, coaches, administrators and region colleagues. Their expertise in making informed, student-centered decisions, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility, is inspiring. I feel truly blessed to be part of such a remarkable group.