Pahrump Valley High School has welcomed a new face to its athletic department with Jennifer Hagstrom stepping into the role of Athletic Director. Ms. Hagstrom, who also serves as the college and career counselor and the GEAR UP specialist, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for student success to her new position.
Ms. Hagstrom’s journey to this role is rooted in her extensive background in both education and athletics. “I played basketball at Saginaw Valley State University and was involved in student leadership,” she shared. Coming from an athletic family, with her aunt running track and field at Central Michigan University and her father playing football at Michigan State, Ms. Hagstrom has always been immersed in sports. She coached varsity basketball for seven seasons and assisted in various athletic programs, including cross country and middle school basketball.
Her transition to the Athletic Director role was influenced by her desire to make a positive impact. “I have a lot of respect for the integrity of the people I’ve met here,” Ms. Hagstrom said. She expressed a particular admiration for Jason Odegaard, whose knowledge and patience have been invaluable to her. “If I was going to step in and do this and try to make a difference… I would want to be with Jason because he knows everyone and he’s just a solid sounding board.”
In her dual role as Athletic Director and GEAR UP specialist, Ms. Hagstrom is committed to helping students navigate their paths to college and career readiness. GEAR UP, a federal grant program, aims to expose students to various college and career options, including trades and military opportunities. “We try to demystify that process for the kids,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of supporting first-generation and low-income students.
Ms. Hagstrom’s vision for the athletic programs at PVHS is centered on integrity and respect. “My primary goal is to do things with integrity and respect for families, for students, for athletes, and the school in general,” she said. She believes that participation in high school athletics is a privilege that must be earned through academic achievement and good citizenship. “You have to get the grades, you have to be a solid citizen and make good choices to represent your school and your family.”
Her approach to achieving these goals involves fostering a supportive environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically. “I want every kid in class. I want kids vested in being leaders in the classroom first,” she stated. Ms. Hagstrom plans to implement initiatives like study tables to help struggling students and emphasizes the importance of graduating. “I want every kid that puts on a uniform to walk across the stage as a senior,” she said, highlighting her commitment to 100% graduation rates for student-athletes.
Ms. Hagstrom recognizes the challenges facing the athletic programs, including coaching turnovers and student choices. She aims to address these issues by promoting stability, supporting study programs, and fostering community engagement. “I would love to see football players, as an example, out in their jerseys at local events, giving back to those who donate to them, showing gratitude and building goodwill,” she mentioned.
Her excitement for new opportunities is evident. She hopes to reinstate programs like Trojans of Character, initially started by former AD Larry Goins, which previously engaged younger students with the athletic program. “I would like to bring back some of those positive things for student-athletes,” she said.
Ms. Hagstrom’s philosophy on the role of athletics in education and student development is clear. “Athletics can be used as a tool to support growth,” she said. She sees sports as a way to teach valuable life skills, such as teamwork, cooperation, and resilience. “At the end of the day, these kids are student-athletes. They are not athlete-students.”
As she steps into this new role, Ms. Hagstrom is eager to engage with the community and support the development of PVHS’s athletic programs. “I am open to help, volunteerism, and ideas,” she said. With her background, dedication, and passion for student success, Jennifer Hagstrom is poised to lead PVHS athletics to new heights.
You can reach the athletic department at pvhsathletics@nyeschools.org if you are interested in finding out more information on becoming a volunteer or coach.
