STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Stephanie Hauser, executive director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, was honored by the USA TODAY NETWORK during the Northeast Wisconsin High School Sports Awards held Friday, June 20 in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
Hauser was the recipient of the USA TODAY Studio IX Trailblazer Award, which is presented to celebrate a woman who paved the way for future generations in the world of sports. The award recognizes dedication, passion and relentless pursuit of excellence, not only to set new standards, but also inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps, which embodies the spirit of a true trailblazer by breaking barriers and making history with every stride.
Hauser began her role as executive director in 2021, after serving as assistant director since 2015. In addition to overseeing all administrative operations of the executive office, specific responsibilities include contractual interpretations, classification, elections, NFHS awards, and legislative and legal matters. Past duties included conference realignment and staff liaison to the Sports Medical Advisory Committee.
Prior to becoming the executive director, Hauser's responsibilities as an assistant director included the administration, coordination and tournament planning for the sports of gymnastics, softball and volleyball. She had also held the administrative responsibilities for the sports of track & field and cross country from 2015-2017. She was also responsible for overseeing the coaches advisory committees, as well as being the primary contact for conference realignment.
Since joining the WIAA, Hauser has been involved at the national level as well. She was appointed to a four-year term as the Section 4 representative on the National Federation of State High School Association Board of Directors in July 2024. She also was selected to the NFHS Strategic Planning Committee and serves on the Education Committee. Hauser also was a member of the NFHS Gymnastics Rules Committee from 2018-23 and served as chair of the committee. In addition, she served on the NFHS Student Services Committee and has presented on several topics at NFHS Summer Meetings.
Hauser was inducted into the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Hauser served eight years as the athletic administrator and assistant principal at Stevens Point Area Senior High School before joining the WIAA. Prior to her administrative role in Stevens Point, she was the assistant principal and activities director in the New London School District from 2003-07.She was active in working with the WIAA as a member of the Sports Advisory Committee from 2009-15 and as a member of the Volleyball Coaches Advisory Committee. Hauser has also conducted presentations at the WIAA New Athletic Director Workshop and the WIAA Sportsmanship Summit.
Other leadership experience includes serving as president of the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association and as chair of the WADA District 2 Representative and Scholarship Committee. In 2013, Hauser was named the District 2 Athletic Director of the Year by the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.
Other affiliations include certification as an athletic administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, as well as, in Red Cross CPR/AED, Educator Effectiveness Calibration for Evaluation, and Drug Influence Training and Education.
She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a degree in secondary chemistry education. She received a Master’s Degree in education leadership from Marian College in 1997. She was a member of the UW-Superior women’s basketball and softball teams, and was named team captain and most valuable player of the women’s volleyball team, receiving all-conference honorable mention.
Hauser is native of Antigo, Wis., where she participated in volleyball, basketball and softball throughout her prep career as a Red Robin at Antigo High School. Hauser, and her husband David, have three grown children, daughter Nicki, and sons Sam and Joey.
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