Denise Kavanaugh brings with her to Nazareth a love for sports and working with students, and also, lots of experience. The newest member of Nazareth’s Athletic Department said she always knew she wanted to do this unique kind of work and she’s been doing it for over 30 years.
Kavanaugh’s love of sports developed when she was growing up in Cicero. She said that when she was a little girl, her dad used to take her to many sports events at the Cicero Stadium. These outings are what planted the seed for her passion for sports. Then, she became an athlete in her own right playing softball, volleyball and basketball through her school years.
When Kavanaugh went to college, she knew she wanted to work in education and she thought Physical Education would be her professional role, and she did teach for a while at Downers Grove South High School, but then she set her sights on becoming an Athletic Director.
Kavanaugh served as Athletic Director at Downers Grove North (DGN) for over 20-years and made a huge impact on the students and athletes. As one of the few female high school Athletic Directors, Kavanaugh was an innovator and provided students a strong role model, demonstrating that leadership in sports has no gender.
While at DGN, Kavanaugh also coached the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team who made it to the State Championship three times. There, she was also named Illinois Coach of the Year.
Excited to be in a role she loves now at Nazareth, Kavanaugh says her favorite part of the job is watching the student-athletes play. You might see that love in action, because she stays after school most days and watches practices and games of all of the different Naz sports.
Outside of her job at Nazareth, Kavanaugh loves to spend time with her two daughters. She also loves to get outside and take walks, especially on the beach. She also spends time on Tik Tok and listening to podcasts and 90’s music.
Kavanaugh is so appreciative of the opportunity to become a part of the Naz family and says she can’t wait to see where this year takes her.
