Hall of Fame
Joan Case was an administrator who made a significant impact in shaping female sports in New York State as well as vastly developing the sport of field hockey.
Case began her career at Ayersville School in Ohio in 1954. Just three years later, she relocated to the East Meadow School District on Long Island to serve as a physical education teacher as well as field hockey and softball coach. Although she eventually became the first female athletic director in New York State (1974) when she was appointed at East Meadow, Joan left her deepest imprint when she served in various appointed positions for the NYSPHSAA. From 1977 to 1979, she was appointed as an original member of the NYSPHSAA Safety Committee for Selection Classification, Ad Hoc Committee on Sports Seasons and the Handbook Committee. Other than a 23-year stint on the Handbook Committee, Joan gave NYSPHSAA most of her years of service as the State Field Hockey Coordinator from 1983-2000. Her involvement with NYSPHSAA and her commitment to female athletics further aided her efforts toward spearheading the inclusion of women with voting power on the NYSPHSAA governing board.
Ms. Case elevated her status in Section VIII in 1960 when she was appointed AWPENYS Nassau Area President, then three years later was appointed as the NYSAHPERD Nassau Zone Vice President.
Case, currently a Delanson, New York resident, was born in Fletcher, Ohio and graduated from Bowling Green State University and New York University where she earned her bachelors degree and masters degree, respectively.
Joan was honored by several organizations during her career and following her retirement. In 1975, she was the recipient of the NYSAHPERD Nassau Zone Distinguished Service Award and a decade later she was recognized by AWPENYS for the State Service Award. Case was a member of the Class of 1987 Nassau County Field Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame, and a year later she received the Honor Award for Coaching by the NYSAHPERD Nassau Zone.