Griffith’s athletics situation has been rocky ever since former athletic director Kelly Greer left on Aug. 22, but with the help of interim athletic director Olimpia Tienstra and new assistant athletic director Meredith Dainton, the school is working to rebuild its athletic culture.

Dainton graduated from Andrean High School and attended Indiana University Bloomington, where she studied sports medicine. She later earned her master’s degree in sports administration at Valparaiso University in May. Previously a middle school athletic director at St. Pius in Indianapolis, she applied for the opening at Griffith after seeing the position and living in the area.

“I want everyone at Griffith to know that I’m a diehard sports fan when it comes to IU basketball and the Chicago Cubs,” Dainton said.

A day in the life of an athletic director is rarely dull. The day typically starts with checking athlete eligibility and meeting with coaches about practice schedules. Athletic directors also make sure games for the week are set up, coordinate transportation and secure officials.

Griffith is also looking to expand its sports offerings in the upcoming years, including water polo and boys volleyball.

Dainton said she has already grown to love Griffith’s environment. “The staff here is very welcoming, and I’ve been able to get to know everyone here well. It feels like a second family,” she said.

“I think Griffith struggles with growing the culture of athletics, and hopefully we can get athletes across the board from every sport to buy into what we’re talking about and support each other,” Dainton said. She has experience beyond administration as well, previously coaching boys volleyball and teaching. When asked about her favorite sport at Griffith, she said, “Every sport at Griffith is my favorite, as I love to see the student athletes grow as a team and play together. It teaches them about life.”