Hall of Fame
Nina Van Erk, a graduate of St. Mary’s High School (Section VIII) and Ithaca College, has been an integral administrator of high school sports for the past 34 years both in New York State and nationally. Nina began her career in 1977 at the Rhinebeck Central Schools as a physical education teacher and became their athletic director in 1982. In 1995 she moved on to the Katonah Lewisboro Schools as the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics until 2000. Beginning in 1987 she served on the NYSPHSAA Executive Committee for nine years while contributing as a member of many committees before becoming a NYSPHSAA officer for four years. Ms. Van Erk was unanimously selected to be the Executive Director of NYSPHSAA in 2000, a position she held for 12 years during which she instituted the state-wide eligibility workshops, created state championships in Boys Volleyball and Girls Golf and initiated the movement to make cheerleading a sport. After stepping down as NYSPHSAA Executive Director, she served as the Executive Director of Section VIII from 2012-2017. From 2007-2011 she served on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Board of Directors and was the President of the NFHS from 2010-2011. She has been a member of NYSAAA for 30 plus years serving as an Ex Officio member of the Representative Board and a Keynote Speaker for 12 years. Ms. Van Erk received the Apple Appreciation Award and the State Award of Merit from NYSAAA. Other awards include the Council of Administrators’ Special Service Award, the Distinguished Sport Industry Leadership Award from Ithaca College and the NFHS Citation Award.