ETHS to name a gym in honor of former coach Shirley Nannini

Submitted by Evanston Township High School

EVANSTON, IL –  Evanston Township High School will hold a dedication ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023 to honor the many contributions of former ETHS physical education teacher, co-athletic director, tennis and badminton coach: Shirley Nannini. The community is invited to attend and the media are invited to cover the event.

What: The dedication of one of the school’s gyms, which will be named the Shirley Nannini Gymnasium, is in recognition of Nannini’s significant achievements as a celebrated multi-sport athlete, and her long-standing career as teacher, coach and administrator of ETHS and its students. Nannini achieved a significant number of firsts in her 33 years at ETHS, including:

• first female to be head coach of two sports at ETHS 
• first female sports administrator in ETHS history
• First female coach to win a state championship at ETHS

Nannini also was a multiple winner of the Illinois Badminton Coach of the Year, served as president of the Badminton Coaches Association, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Athletic Directors Association, and was inducted into the Illinois Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She worked with former co-athletic director and track coach at ETHS, Willie May, to develop gender equality within the athletics program during her administrator years.

“Shirley’s impact on sports at ETHS continues to be felt today,” said Chris Livatino, athletic director at ETHS. “She was a tremendous leader, who opened doors and removed barriers for our student-athletes by being a strong advocate for gender equality in sports. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, it’s particularly fitting to honor Shirley.”

Nannini, who retired from ETHS in 2010 and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 2015, is currently executive director of FreshLens Chicago, which teaches photography to students from underresourced areas of Chicago.

ETHS District 202 Superintendent Marcus Campbell will join the Nannini family, along with the current ETHS badminton team members, community members, alumni and staff of ETHS as they celebrate the official dedication and naming of the gym (G220).

When:

Friday, April 21, 2023
6:30pm; doors open at 6:00pm

Where:

Evanston Township High School

G220 (Gym Wing)

1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston, IL