For 18 years, Shawn Mathews has worked alongside multiple athletic directors, organized thousands of games and signed out thousands of athletic locks. However, according to her, the most rewarding part of her job involves building relationships that last forever.

Mathews, who graduated from Park in 1992, said her sole responsibility for the athletic department is to organize competitions for each sport.

“My most important responsibilities has to do with facilitating games,” Mathews said. “I make sure that there are officials, scorekeepers, announcers and all the facilities are ready for game day.”

Although Mathews said she has a large passion for competition, the best part of her job is creating friendships with students through athletics.

“I love game day, I love competition and I love to be outside—that’s what I love about this job,” Mathews said. “But the best part of the job is buidling relationships with students over the years.”

According to Mathews the connections that were made between her, students and fellow faculty continue to thrive because of her job.

“Everywhere I go I know someone I have met through this job, and not just in St. Louis Park, but all over the state,” Mathews said. “This is a big reason I continue working here.”

Aside from the relationships created through her job, Mathews said that it is her pride for Park athletics that makes her job seem effortless at times.

“I love St. Louis Park, and especially its teams. Watching our school compete makes it not even seem like a job sometimes,” Mathews said.