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Vicky Groat to step down as AD at St. Philip; Blake Shaw to take over
TL;DR
Vicky Groat will step down as athletic director at St. Philip after 20 years to spend more time with her family. Blake Shaw will take over the position starting this summer.
Key points
- Vicky Groat is stepping down as athletic director at St. Philip.
- She has held the position for 20 years.
- Blake Shaw will succeed her starting this summer.
- Groat will remain as the volleyball coach and Director of Student Services.
BATTLE CREEK - Having graduated from the school and being a coach and athletic director for decades, St. Philip is like family for Vicky Groat.
But, seeing a chance to spend more time with her real family, Groat has decided to reduce her role at St. Philip starting this summer.
Groat will step down as the St. Philip athletic director after being in that position for 20 years. She will stay on as the Tigers' volleyball coach and be the Director of Student Services as well.
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St. Philip head coach Vicky Groat speaks to players during a district final match against Climax-Scotts at St. Philip Catholic Central High School on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
"It's time to move on to something else. I have three grandsons. They live in Wixom and I want to spend more time with them. Been missing T-ball games, stuff like that. I just want to have more time to spend with my family," Groat said. "This move allows me to do that."
Blake Shaw has been named as the new athletic director at St. Philip. He had coached for 16 years at Lakeview prior to coming to St. Philip. Shaw has helped Groat in the athletic office during the past school year and was an assistant for the boys basketball team for the Tigers.
"I couldn't be more excited for this," Shaw said. "I came on to help Vicky and support her for as long as she wanted to stay in her role at AD. It has worked perfectly that she now wants to step down and I can take over. She was awesome to work under."
Shaw will take over as the official St. Philip athletic director in June.
"Vicky showed me the ropes on a lot of things. Really thankful to her. I couldn't be more excited about the future at St. Phil," Shaw said. "It was bittersweet, leaving Lakeview after coaching for 16 years. But, I consider St. Philip home now. It's a great place with a great tradition."
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Vicky Groat to step down as athletic director at St. Philip; Blake Shaw to take over
Q&A
Why is Vicky Groat stepping down as athletic director at St. Philip?
Vicky Groat is stepping down to spend more time with her family while continuing as the volleyball coach and Director of Student Services.
Who will replace Vicky Groat as athletic director at St. Philip?
Blake Shaw will take over as the athletic director at St. Philip starting this summer.
How long has Vicky Groat been the athletic director at St. Philip?
Vicky Groat has served as the athletic director at St. Philip for 20 years.
