Sara Loete has been named the new athletic director at Evansville Harrison High School, approved during a school board meeting on May 4. She has spent 12 of her 15 years in education at Harrison, including four years as assistant principal.
Key points
Sara Loete named athletic director at Harrison High School
Approval during Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. board meeting
Loete has 12 years of experience at the school
Former assistant principal for four years
Passion for athletics and community involvement
Mentioned in this story
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp
Harrison High School
EVANSVILLE — Sara Loete believes Harrison High School made a positive impact on herself as a new teacher and coach over a decade ago. Her new role could provide the same influence on others in similar situations.
Loete was approved to be the new Harrison athletic director during the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. board meeting on Monday, May 4. She has spent 12 of her 15-year professional career at the school in some capacity including the last four as the assistant principal.
An itch to return to athletics always remained. It was her roots as a former athlete and coach.
"I've always been involved with sports," Loete said. "Getting to work with a different group of students has been really positive for me. I love giving back to (the Harrison) community. Harrison feels like home. Getting to be back around the people that taught me how to do my job, how to be a coach and make a positive impact has been helpful."
Wilco performs during “An Evening with Wilco" tour at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 24, 2026.
The 2026 Bosse High School prom at the Old Courthouse in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Mater Dei’s Dominic McKenzie celebrates in the air during the 2026 City Track and Field Meet at Central High School Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Q&A
Who is the new athletic director at Evansville Harrison High School?
Sara Loete has been appointed as the new athletic director at Evansville Harrison High School.
What was Sara Loete's previous role at Harrison High School?
Before becoming athletic director, Sara Loete served as the assistant principal for the last four years.
When was Sara Loete approved as athletic director?
Sara Loete was approved as athletic director during the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. board meeting on May 4.
How long has Sara Loete worked at Harrison High School?
Sara Loete has worked at Harrison High School for 12 of her 15-year professional career.
Related Articles
Sports
Chourio Shines as Offense Stays Stagnant in 6-3 Loss
Chourio shines with four hits, but Brewers lose 6-3 to Cardinals.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Tim Adams steps down as basketball coach at Park Tudor after eight seasons
Tim Adams steps down as Park Tudor boys basketball coach after eight seasons.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Orioles listless again in 12-1 loss to suffer sweep vs. Yankees
Orioles suffer a crushing 12-1 defeat to Yankees, completing a series sweep.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Jalen Brunson torches 76ers as Knicks extend playoff dominance in Game 1 blowout
Knicks crush 76ers 137-98 in Game 1, extending playoff dominance!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Knicks dominate on both ends, cruise to 137-98 Game 1 win over 76ers
Knicks cruise to a 137-98 victory over the 76ers in Game 1!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Instant observations: Knicks blow out Sixers in Game 1 stinkbomb
Knicks blow out Sixers 137-98 in Game 1 of playoffs
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The 2026 Mater Dei High School at the Discovery Lodge in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Evansville Police Sgt. Mike Saltzman hangs on after the launch of the new Joint River Patrol Unit boat River Wolf in the Ohio River in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 17, 2026.
Katia Johnson, left, and her daughter Alyanna Johnson, right, gather with supporters outside the Academy for Innovative Studies calling for the removal of EVSC Police Department Officer Garrett Sprinkle Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Sprinkle allegedly slammed Alyanna to the ground following an incident with another student causing injury to her face.
North’s Aaron Humphrey (14) slides for third as the Castle Knights host the North Huskies in SIAC high school baseball in Newburgh, Ind., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Runners compete in the 800 meter run during the 2026 City Track and Field Meet at Central High School Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Dark clouds roll through downtown Evansville as severe weather approaches the Tri-State on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Keith Potter addresses the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission during a listening session on energy affordability at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Central High School Principal Andrew Freeman is announced the 2026 Outstanding Principal of the Year Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026.
Runners compete in the 100 meter hurdles during the 2026 City Track and Field Meet at Central High School Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
North’s AJ Baggett (27) pitches as the Castle Knights host the North Huskies in SIAC high school baseball in Newburgh, Ind., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Students fill the dance floor during Castle High School’s prom at Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Students arrive to Harrison High School’s prom at the Old Post Office Events Center in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Students Gelinka Pierre, left, and Rytshlyne Pierre pose for the photo booth during Harrison High School’s prom at the Old Post Office Events Center in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Katherine Roemke is crowned queen during North High School’s prom at Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Students fill the dance floor during North High School’s prom at Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Alyanna Johnson gathers with supporters outside the Academy for Innovative Studies calling for the removal of EVSC Police Department Officer Garrett Sprinkle Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Sprinkle allegedly slammed Johnson to the ground following an incident with another student causing injury to her face.
The 2026 Bosse High School prom at the Old Courthouse in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.
The 2026 Central High School prom at the Hadi Shrine in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Vincennes Lincoln's Cooper Collins (6) reaches for the ball as the Mater Dei Wildcats host the Vincennes Lincoln Alices at Bosse Field in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The 2026 Central High School prom at the Hadi Shrine in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Evansville Police Department spokesman Sgt. Anthony Aussieker holds a press conference after officers shot and wounded a man during a chase through a South Side neighborhood Wednesday, at EPD headquarters Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Mater Dei's Darret Branson (10) runs home as the Mater Dei Wildcats host the Vincennes Lincoln Alices at Bosse Field in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Gibson Southern's Ben Rich (31) slides home as the Gibson Southern Titans host the Heritage Hills Patriots in Fort Branch, Ind., Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Gibson Southern's Collin Higginbotham (2) throws to first after Heritage Hills' Marshall Snyder (3) is out as the Gibson Southern Titans host the Heritage Hills Patriots in Fort Branch, Ind., Thursday, April 30, 2026.
The 2026 Mater Dei High School at the Discovery Lodge in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Vincennes Lincoln's Calvin Doggett (12) is called safe at second as the Mater Dei Wildcats host the Vincennes Lincoln Alices at Bosse Field in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The 2026 Memorial High School at the Crescent Room in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Evansville Police Sgt. Mike Saltzman, left, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Howard launch the new Joint River Patrol Unit boat River Wolf in the Ohio River after a christening at Dress Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 17, 2026.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson provides an update to the ongoing homicide investigation after a man was shot Tuesday in the parking lot of AMC Theaters on the West Side at the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Wilco performs during “An Evening with Wilco" tour at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 24, 2026.
Board members break ground on the new McCutchanville Greenway Park and Nature Preserve located at the former Eagle Valley Golf Course Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
1 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Wilco performs during “An Evening with Wilco" tour at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 24, 2026.
1 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Wilco performs during “An Evening with Wilco" tour at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 24, 2026.
2 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Bosse High School prom at the Old Courthouse in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
3 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Mater Dei’s Dominic McKenzie celebrates in the air during the 2026 City Track and Field Meet at Central High School Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
4 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Mater Dei High School at the Discovery Lodge in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
5 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Evansville Police Sgt. Mike Saltzman hangs on after the launch of the new Joint River Patrol Unit boat River Wolf in the Ohio River in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 17, 2026.
6 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Katia Johnson, left, and her daughter Alyanna Johnson, right, gather with supporters outside the Academy for Innovative Studies calling for the removal of EVSC Police Department Officer Garrett Sprinkle Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Sprinkle allegedly slammed Alyanna to the ground following an incident with another student causing injury to her face.
7 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
North’s Aaron Humphrey (14) slides for third as the Castle Knights host the North Huskies in SIAC high school baseball in Newburgh, Ind., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
8 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Runners compete in the 800 meter run during the 2026 City Track and Field Meet at Central High School Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
9 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Dark clouds roll through downtown Evansville as severe weather approaches the Tri-State on Monday, April 27, 2026.
10 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Keith Potter addresses the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission during a listening session on energy affordability at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
11 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Central High School Principal Andrew Freeman is announced the 2026 Outstanding Principal of the Year Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026.
12 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Runners compete in the 100 meter hurdles during the 2026 City Track and Field Meet at Central High School Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
13 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
North’s AJ Baggett (27) pitches as the Castle Knights host the North Huskies in SIAC high school baseball in Newburgh, Ind., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
14 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Students fill the dance floor during Castle High School’s prom at Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
15 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Students arrive to Harrison High School’s prom at the Old Post Office Events Center in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
16 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Students Gelinka Pierre, left, and Rytshlyne Pierre pose for the photo booth during Harrison High School’s prom at the Old Post Office Events Center in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
17 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Katherine Roemke is crowned queen during North High School’s prom at Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
18 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Students fill the dance floor during North High School’s prom at Old National Events Plaza in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
19 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Alyanna Johnson gathers with supporters outside the Academy for Innovative Studies calling for the removal of EVSC Police Department Officer Garrett Sprinkle Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Sprinkle allegedly slammed Johnson to the ground following an incident with another student causing injury to her face.
20 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Bosse High School prom at the Old Courthouse in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
21 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
North plays Elkhart during the third annual Castle Softball Invitational presented by Peoples Bank at Deaconess Sports Park in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 10, 2026.
22 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Central High School prom at the Hadi Shrine in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
23 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Vincennes Lincoln's Cooper Collins (6) reaches for the ball as the Mater Dei Wildcats host the Vincennes Lincoln Alices at Bosse Field in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
24 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Central High School prom at the Hadi Shrine in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
25 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Evansville Police Department spokesman Sgt. Anthony Aussieker holds a press conference after officers shot and wounded a man during a chase through a South Side neighborhood Wednesday, at EPD headquarters Thursday, April 9, 2026.
26 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Mater Dei's Darret Branson (10) runs home as the Mater Dei Wildcats host the Vincennes Lincoln Alices at Bosse Field in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
27 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Gibson Southern's Ben Rich (31) slides home as the Gibson Southern Titans host the Heritage Hills Patriots in Fort Branch, Ind., Thursday, April 30, 2026.
28 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Gibson Southern's Collin Higginbotham (2) throws to first after Heritage Hills' Marshall Snyder (3) is out as the Gibson Southern Titans host the Heritage Hills Patriots in Fort Branch, Ind., Thursday, April 30, 2026.
29 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Mater Dei High School at the Discovery Lodge in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
30 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Vincennes Lincoln's Calvin Doggett (12) is called safe at second as the Mater Dei Wildcats host the Vincennes Lincoln Alices at Bosse Field in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
31 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
The 2026 Memorial High School at the Crescent Room in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
32 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Evansville Police Sgt. Mike Saltzman, left, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Howard launch the new Joint River Patrol Unit boat River Wolf in the Ohio River after a christening at Dress Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 17, 2026.
33 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson provides an update to the ongoing homicide investigation after a man was shot Tuesday in the parking lot of AMC Theaters on the West Side at the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
34 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Wilco performs during “An Evening with Wilco" tour at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind., Friday, April 24, 2026.
35 / 35
Photos of the Month: A look back at April 2026
Board members break ground on the new McCutchanville Greenway Park and Nature Preserve located at the former Eagle Valley Golf Course Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The Pekin High School (Ill.) graduate played softball for one year at Bradley before transferring to University of Southern Indiana. She finished her career with the Screaming Eagles ranked third in home runs, plus sixth in RBIs and walks. Loete, a 2022 USI Hall of Fame inductee, graduated with degrees in social science secondary eductation and history with a minor in sociology.
She spent the first eight years of her teaching career at Harrison while coaching softball and volleyball, either as a head coach or assistant. Loete became the assistant principal at North in 2019 before returning to Harrison three years later in the same position. She earned a Master's in education from Arkansas State in 2014.
Loete was named the interim athletic director in late March. Andre Thomas, the athletic director at Harrison since 2018, moved into another position within the EVSC "supporting student attendance." Loete said the crash course into the job had been a net positive.
"Coming in right after Spring Break as interim has been interesting," she said. "I've learned everyone is super helpful. Every athletic director around Southern Indiana has reached out to help. I'm really excited to be in that community. Our former athletic directors have been fantastic. It's felt like a smooth transition into this really busy time."
Sara Loete was named the new Harrison High School athletic director on Monday, May 4.
Sara Loete was named the new Harrison High School athletic director on Monday, May 4.
Her immediate goal is to grow numbers across all Harrison sports. The Warriors compete in Class 4A in IHSAA team sports and are a long-standing member in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference. The athletic department has two team state championships (boys golf in 2012 and girls golf in 1988) in school history but success across various sports.
Harrison's most recent sectional titles came in boys basketball (2024, 2025). Loete is now one of three female athletic directors in the EVSC, joining Beth Hagan at Reitz and Cathy Ferris at Central.
"We have always had a strong athletic program," Loete said. "Strong traditions. We've got really good athletes in the building. My goal is to build our numbers, get our athletes to play sports and be more increasingly competitive. I always want to win sectionals, SIAC and team championships."
Hya Haywood was approved as the next Harrison girls basketball coach during the same board meeting. She was an All-Southern Indiana Athletic Conference guard at Central before completing her senior season at Monteverde Academy (Fla.). Haywood spent her college career with Western Kentucky, Three Rivers College, Lincoln University and two years at Glenville State College.
She earned an associate degree in arts from Three Rivers and a degree in business administration from Glenville before starting her coaching career at North Junior High. Haywood was most recently a graduate assistant at Columbus State University.
Harrison finished 9-14 last season, its most victories since 2015.
Kyle Sokeland is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland or email at kyle.sokeland@courierpress.com.
