* * Distinguished Alum 2023 * *
Jody Cassman Gitelis, Niles North Class of 1969
Jody Cassman Gitelis graduated from Niles North in 1969. As a student she served on student senate and on many committees including those for pep assemblies, homecoming, and girls' dress code. Thanks to her work on the dress code committee, Niles North adopted the option for girls to wear pants to school. Jody was a PE leader, cheerleader, and homecoming queen. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in Education. She married her high school sweetheart and together they have three children.
Jody has spent the last 47 years coaching girls' track and field at the high school level, spending the last 36 years at Barrington High School. She has coached numerous individual All Conference athletes and State Medalists; two of her teams have achieved the State Runner-Up Title. She has been inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Association's Hall of Fame, selected by Illinois High School Association as Girls' Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2008, and guided the Barrington High School Fillies to the state championships in 2007. She has had a tremendous impact on the hundreds of girls she has coached both on and off the track.
Her former students have said, "Running has shaped my life,” and the Track & Field program Jody cultivated at Barrington High School fostered not only a love for running, but a desire to want to better oneself and overcome challenges. She coached the entire athlete with compassion, not just focusing on improving speed or technique or winning meets, but focusing on improving mental strength and having a positive outlook. She motivates, empowers, empathizes and believes in her students. Jody teaches the value of creative problem solving and the importance of considering the input of others' who have more experience and wisdom.
Jody’s guidance and positive coaching style continues to produce teams that come together to achieve so much more than they ever could have without her at the helm. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to student growth and development have helped countless students meet their potential and face challenges they were experiencing outside of school. She has been shaping the lives of young women, helping them achieve their dreams and be successful in life, empowering them to be strong and to believe in themselves.
It is important to remember that Jody's role as a female head coach was not common 45 years ago. She has been a forerunner and her name continues to be legendary in Illinois when it comes to coaching Girls’ Track and Field and her impact on her athletes has led some of them to become successful coaches in the state as well. Those women always make it a point to come and see Jody and reiterate what a great role model they had and their own hope to impact the lives of young women just like she did for them.
Jody Gitelis undoubtedly engraved her mark, whether through the visible records set and awards achieved, or through invisible thumbprints imprinted on countless young female athletes' hearts and minds. She is a perfect representation of what a Niles North Distinguished Alumnus exemplifies.
