IHSA Names Northbrook Resident 'Official of the Year'

NORTHBROOK, IL — An area sports official was recently honored by the Illinois High School Association as "Official of the Year" for the 2024-2025 school year. Nitin Rao, of Northbrook, who officiates boys lacrosse, was named a recipient.

This year’s winners will be recognized during the 2025 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held July 11-12 in Normal.

According to IHSA, to be considered for this honor, an official must first be nominated by an Officials Association recognized by the IHSA or by an IHSA administrator. IHSA staff members then vote on the winners based on factors such as character, skill as an official, and levels worked in the IHSA State Series.

"Officials are vital to the experience of high school student-athletes in Illinois, and we are proud to be able to honor these outstanding individuals as IHSA Officials of the Year," IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. "High school sports do not exist without them and the thousands of officials around the state who preside over contests and meets every day. This award only recognizes a small percentage of our dedicated officials, but we know they are all worthy of our respect and admiration. We understand they do not officiate for awards or recognition, but it remains a special tradition for the IHSA to be able to honor them."