Columbus East High School

January 20, 2025 Columbus East High School’s head girls basketball coach, Kaitlyn Phillips, has been recognized with an Exemplary Behavior Report from the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) following her team’s game against New Albany High School on January 18, 2025. The recognition highlights her outstanding professionalism, sportsmanship, and leadership during the varsity contest. The commendation, submitted by game official John VanWagner and his officiating crew, praised both Coach Phillips and New Albany coach Shelby Gliebe for setting a high standard of behavior and integrity on the sidelines. In his report, VanWagner emphasized the coaches' composure, respect for the game, and positive influence on their players, stating: "I would like to commend Coach Kaitlyn Phillips of Columbus East and Coach Shelby Gliebe for their extreme professionalism and great use of sportsmanship while coaching their respective teams during the varsity basketball contest on Saturday afternoon. The way they handled their duties during the game makes me confident they will soon have great success and continue to be a pleasure to officiate." The Exemplary Behavior Report is an initiative by the IHSAA to acknowledge and promote acts of sportsmanship and integrity in high school athletics. Coach Phillips’ recognition reflects her commitment to fostering a respectful and positive environment both on and off the court. As the season progresses, the Columbus East girls basketball team continues to build on its strong culture of sportsmanship under Coach Phillips' guidance. This recognition not only honors her efforts but also serves as a model for student-athletes and coaches throughout Indiana high school sports. Congratulations to Coach Phillips and the Columbus East girls basketball program for this well-deserved acknowledgment. Best of luck to the team for the remainder of the season!