No two days are the same for Lisa Corprew. That’s because she’s responsible for more than 70 extracurricular school clubs and sports teams at Bayside High School.
Coordinator of Student Activities David Rhodes described her as “Bayside through and through.”
Rhodes said Corprew is well-respected by students and staff. She’s currently the longest tenured high school student activities coordinator(SAC) at Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
“She has impeccable integrity, an unflappable, personable demeanor and solid leadership skills,” Rhodes said.
Corprew has been with the school system for 32 years and is beginning year 28 in her current role.
“I love what I get to do every single day,” she said. “Not every day is rainbows and lollipops, but it’s pretty close for me.”
She grew up in Virginia Beach and attended Aragona and Bettie F. Williams elementary schools, Bayside Middle (then Bayside Junior High). She is a proud 1990 graduate of Bayside High, where she played softball, field hockey and basketball.
Of four siblings, she was the first to attend college. She played softball at East Carolina University, where she earned a degree in sports management.
Her first job after graduation was at her high school alma mater as a teaching assistant, where she also assisted SAC Tony South. When South retired, Corprew took the helm.
“I was excited to be able to give back to my school and help create some foundations for my community,” Corprew said.
Her wide arena of responsibilities includes working with all athletic and nonathletic programs. She is a resource for club advisors and sports coaches and ensures all School Board policies on sports eligibility are followed.
One day she’s at a field hockey game making sure the press box camera is adjusted, and another she is helping set up a fundraiser or field trip.
“I’m a walking how-to guide,” she said with a laugh.
Corprew said her job has constantly evolved during her more than two-decade career. “Technology plays a big part in what we do now,” she said.
She encourages students to be involved in school activities. The list is long, but if they can’t find something of interest, Corprew guides them on how to organize a new club.
Bayside High junior Jessie Gotkis – who plays field hockey, soccer and is a boys’ basketball team manager – said she admires Corprew.
“She is someone I kind of look up to,” Jessie said. “I’ve never met anyone with more Bayside pride than Ms. Corprew.”
She recalled when Corprew organized a panel of businesswomen – Bayside alumni – to speak about their careers to a group of female students. The experience was inspiring, Jessie said.
“Ms. Corprew encourages us to be the best version of ourselves,” she said.
Bayside High football player Josiah Williams, a junior, described Corprew as “a hardworking and caring lady.” He said she always makes sure the team has everything they need, from uniforms and gear to helping raise funds to cover some expenses.
“She also makes sure everybody is in class and we follow all the rules,” he said, smiling.
Corprew has served on the board of directors and as president for the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Directors Association (VIAAA) and also on the board at the national level.
She is a breast cancer survivor and is devoted to spreading awareness. Every Wednesday students and staff are encouraged to wear pink as a reminder.
“I’m proud to be a Marlin every day,” Corprew said.
Her office is welcoming. Filled with scarlet and gold, an array of memorabilia and photos reflect a wide array of school and personal memories, awards and championships.
The SAC has touched the lives of thousands of students and is constantly looking for ways to improve.
“When we grow; they grow,” she said.
