On Dec. 20, Executive Director Lynda Carlino will retire after 18 years of service at Southeastern Program of Recreational Team Sports (S.P.O.R.T.S.). During her tenure, S.P.O.R.T.S grew from 6,000 participants and eight sports offered in the year 2000 to 10,200 participants and 13 sports offered in 2017. Other changes she observed were the Town of Fishers becoming the City of Fishers, the population increase from 39,000 to more than 90,000 and the growth of Hamilton Southeastern Schools from 11 buildings to 21.
As she steps down, Carlino says she will miss all of the people she has been fortunate enough to meet and work with, many of whom she calls friends. This includes the families (parents and kids), school personnel, city officials as well as all the volunteers, the S.P.O.R.T.S. board members and amazing staff. She often tells those she works with, “I feel very lucky to live in a community that is so full of energy, so giving and truly wanting to provide the best opportunities for the kids who live there.”
Carlino is looking forward to new and exciting challenges. She has recently joined the Fishers Youth Assistance board and is a mentor through Youth Mentoring Initiative and will work with underprivileged kids at St. Mary’s preschool.
Mayor Scott Fadness presented with her the key to the city on Dec. 6 as a thank you for the tremendous impact that Carlino had made on the town and city over the years. Her leadership and tenacity were celebrated at a reception with all of the friends, families and volunteers who worked with Lynda throughout the years.
Starting Dec. 21, Scott Spillman will officially assume the position of Executive Director. Spillman, who grew up in Fishers and participated in the S.P.O.R.T.S. program as a youth, is excited to continue the growth and success that Carlino helped contribute to in this community.
“Some of my favorite childhood memories involve me participating in the S.P.O.R.T.S. leagues, said Spillman. “Taking this position was like coming home to me. I can’t wait to build on the incredible foundation that Lynda and all of our wonderful volunteers helped lay.”
About S.P.O.R.T.S.
Southeastern Program of Recreational Team Sports (S.P.O.R.T.S) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing youth in the Hamilton Southeastern community with the opportunity to participate in recreational and competitive team sports that promote character development, leadership and physical fitness. The organization is made up of baseball, basketball, cross country/track and field, cheer, football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball and volleyball leagues. For more information, visit hsesports.org.