District 88 appoints new Athletic Director at Willowbrook

For the past two years, Ed Sullivan (pictured above) has served as “the voice” of Willowbrook athletics and school spirit events.

Sullivan joined Willowbrook in 2021 as a math teacher and a co-curricular coordinator. His passion and enthusiasm for the school was quickly apparent, and he truly embodies what it means to be a Warrior. And Sullivan will now share his zeal even more – on Aug. 14, the District 88 Board of Education approved the administration’s recommendation to name Sullivan as Willowbrook’s new Athletic Director. He will succeed Brandon Murphy, who served as Athletic Director since 2018. Murphy is now the Associate Principal for Athletics at Downers Grove South, and District 88 wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

“This is my dream job, at my dream school and right here in my community,” Sullivan said. “Growing up, I had such great coaches and athletic opportunities, and I want to create that memorable experience for all Willowbrook Warriors.”

As a student, Sullivan participated in soccer, cross-country, football, basketball and track and field. He also was named as a Golden Apple Scholar in 2010. Sullivan began his career in athletics at the age of 15, when he was named as the Basketball Coordinator for Sacred Heart School in Lombard. At just 19 years old, he stepped into his first Athletic Director position, with St. Pius X in Lombard. He loved the role so much, he concurrently served as Athletic Director for Sacred Heart School and Co-Athletic Director for Blackhawk Middle School in Bensenville. He also was the Athletic League Liaison for the Diocese of Joliet.

Sullivan earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education, as well as a minor in Middle-Level Education, from Elmhurst University in 2014. He then received his master’s degree in Principal Preparation from Concordia University in 2022. In the classroom, Sullivan was a math teacher at Blackhawk Middle School and Hinsdale Middle School, where he was part of the building leadership team as well. He also coached basketball, volleyball and track and field; was an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) official; and sponsored numerous clubs. Sullivan is a member of the Illinois Principals Association, the Illinois Athletic Directors Association and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

As Willowbrook’s new Athletic Director, Sullivan plans to implement seven pillars of student-athlete success (see the list below), which center on the school’s student-first mentality.

1. Community (his goal is to have each team participate in a service project)
   
   
2. Facilities and resources
   
   
3. College and career pathways
   
   
4. Creating lifelong memories
   
   
5. Fostering participation (including having students create content for athletics, establishing more partnership opportunities for Special Olympic athletes, advancing/celebrating Title IX and recognizing multisport athletes)
   
   
6. Communication and collaboration (including connecting with parents/guardians)
   
   
7. Student diversity and inclusion

To view Sullivan’s vision for Willowbrook athletics, go to www.dupage88.net/EdSullivanVision.

“Willowbrook is the center of the community,” Sullivan said. “We have a long tradition of success in all areas, including athletics. I look forward to maintaining and expanding that legacy by making sure we support all students to help them accomplish their goals.”

Sullivan grew up in Lombard and has been a resident of Villa Park for six years. His family includes his parents, Ed and Diane, and five siblings.

“Sullivan’s professionalism and advocacy for all students fit perfectly with the mission and vision of District 88, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team,” said Dr. Daniel Krause, Willowbrook Principal. “We look forward to Sullivan continuing the tradition of excellence of the Willowbrook Athletic Department, as well as developing new opportunities.”