UPrep Athletic Director Rebecca Moe has won the esteemed state-level Award of Merit from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

  This award recognizes commitment and leadership within athletic directing and is the highest award available in the interscholastic athletics field.
In addition, she will receive the Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award in December. This second piece of hardware is even larger than the prior award, recognizing her out of just 10 people chosen on a national level for her outstanding service and accomplishments as an athletic director.
With the 2023-2024 school year coming to a close, every person had one last thing to do at the closing ceremony before leaving the year behind: give Moe a standing ovation. At the announcement of her accomplishment, students, teachers and staff rose to their feet, clapping loudly to commend Moe.
Kayla Robertson, the PE department head, admires Moe for her ability to form meaningful bonds.
“She connects. I think that’s one of her strengths is that she connects with her staff, but also with the kids,” Robertson said. “She’s at the games, and she’s influential, not just in our little school, but statewide and nationwide.”
Robertson has worked closely with Moe for the past 12 years.
“I can still remember my interview with Ms. Moe,” Robertson said. “I was like, ‘Whoa, I want to work with this woman, she’s a rock star and has the energy and seems super supportive.’”
Moe proudly smiled when talking about her awards.
“It reflects the work I’m doing,” Moe said. “And it means I’m doing the right work.”
She has worked 26 years at UPrep, and dedicates a part of her success to the school.
“I think it reflects on University Prep,” Moe said. “People know who UPrep is, and they know we run a good show.”
Moe’s success stems from her values.
“I’m consistent, I’m committed and I’m loyal,” Moe said. “I am making a difference, and this is really valuable.”
Despite various obstacles, Moe and the program persevered.
“We’ve had our tough times, but we’ve also had some really great times,” Moe said. “When people are here, they get it. They understand they’re part of something special. At the end of the day, it remains constant that we’re just Pumas.”
Senior Bethania Bahru is on the volleyball, basketball and track teams.
“Moe has been the glue to the sports department,” Bahru said.
Bahru noted that although Moe is an athletic director, she does so many other jobs.
“I think she makes sure everyone’s on track, making sure everyone is included in the sport and making sure everyone has a space in the UPrep athletic community,” Bahru said.
Junior Auggie Reed plays on the soccer and tennis teams.
“If I’m playing in a soccer game, and I see Ms. Moe on the sideline, I definitely feel that support, and I think it helps me on the field.”
Reed believes Moe’s awards are well-earned.
“She deserves all the praise that she can get for her work,” Reed said.