The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) has recognized Allison Fansher, a 7th-grade girls basketball coach at Chicago Heights School District 170, for her outstanding display of compassion at a recent athletic contest held at Lansing Memorial Jr. High School.
In announcing the recognition Leslie Alappattu, Assistant Executive Director of the IESA wrote, "Congratulations on Chicago Heights Washington girls' basketball being recognized as an IESA Good Sport this week! Sean Lamb, an IHSA-licensed basketball official, notified us of the sportsmanship on display by your coaching staff last week in a game he officiated between your school and Lansing Memorial."
Alappattu went on to write, "Thank you for continuing to fuel the fire for good sportsmanship and having adults model for students the power they have to do what's right! Please share our appreciation with your coach."
The IESA recognized Fansher for helping a student-athlete who was suffering from an anxiety attack during a girls' basketball game.
Lamb explained to the IESA that during the game, one of the District 170 players went to her bench in obvious emotional distress."
"At that time," he said, "Ms. Fansher left the stands and went to the girl, held her hand, stroked her back, and talked with her for 10-15 minutes until the attack receded."
Lamb continued, "It was great to see this young coach showing such compassion in comforting her player-student, and it is with great pleasure and much admiration that I report this incident to the IESA."
Joe Barker, CHSD 170's Athletic Director, was quick to praise Fansher for her actions.
"Allison's deeds truly reflect the type of individual that she is," Barker said.
"Her actions exceed what we expect of a coach and her commitment to serving as an outstanding role model and mentor to the students she coaches is well deserving of recognition."
"In every way," Barker continued, "Allison's actions exemplify what it means to be a District 170 coach and employee and this recognition by the IESA is just one example of the positive impact that she has on our girls on a daily basis."