Heather Semelmacher, DMPS Student Activities Program Manager, has a passion for the fast-paced world of athletics that was sun-baked into her on the field of competition at an early age. Decades later, she’s being celebrated for a national athletics career achievement.

Semelmacher has been named a Certified Master Athletic Administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

“To earn this distinction, Heather Semelmacher has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration,” the NIAAA said in a news release.

Semelmacher is in her third year working in Des Moines, but printing her resume would require reloading the copier. Athletics was her career choice in college, and her life since has been filled with achievements, honors, and degrees in sports and athletics leadership. Her focus has been women’s athletics, and she feels it’s fitting that she’s receiving this distinction as the 50th anniversary of Title IX is celebrated.

“I’m genuinely excited, especially since I’m receiving this award because of my passion for Title IX and the work we are doing here at DMPS through the lens of Title IX,” she said.

She said girls interested in following a similar career path will find few women, but powerful support from those female athletes who are in the field of athletics.

“If you are passionate about athletics and are driven, this is a unique, demanding, rewarding career,” she said. “The difference you can make for students, and they make for you, is amazing. For young women that want to get into this profession, you might be the only one in the room, but breaking down the barriers will only make you stronger, and other women in this profession will want to support you and grow! Reach out!”

Her second piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who are equally as passionate about athletics.

“You are as only as strong as the team you work with,” she said. “I give great thanks to the Activities Directors I work with here at DMPS and to all the ones I have worked with in the past. They have made me better at this profession.”

Team leader, Jason Allen, DMPS Director of District Activities and Community Education, said he was proud but not surprised by yet another Semelmacher accomplishment.

“Heather is extremely ambitious and passionate about this profession,” said Allen. “She is dedicated to the work and strives every day to provide quality service to our schools.”