Overshadowed by all of the championships, the star players, and the legendary coaches lies the real MVP at Mount Carmel: Mrs. Mary Mann.

Each school quietly has somebody there that plays a more important role behind the scenes than what people may know, and for MC one of these people is Mrs. Mann.

As assistant to Athletic Director Phil Segroves, many students don’t really know what this job entails, but she plays an important role behind every game, practice, and event. From helping to make sure teams have buses to go to games, to making sure referees are paid, and, most importantly, running the athletic calendar.

“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes, you know, that people don’t realize,” Mrs. Mann said. “Because, you know, it’s for making sure if we do a big game, is it home or is it away? If it’s away, you know, are the buses available? Because we don’t want any mishaps.”

Mr. KC Perlberg, music teacher and athletic equipment manager at MC, says her work is so crucial to MC sports. “It’s mind-boggling, the list of things she’s responsible for,” he says. “We don’t take the field without her.”

Mrs. Mann is more than another person in the athletic department. Even with all the stress that comes with her job she is known for her optimism and kindness. “She’s unfailingly positive and pleasant to be around,” Perlberg said. “She makes even the tedious stuff easier with a smile.”

The people who are behind the scenes are oftentimes overlooked. Nevertheless everyone has felt her impact. “Every time a team wins,” Perlberg said, “Mrs. Mann has been part of making that happen.”

Mrs. Mann can be best explained as the glue guy of a team, without her things can start to fall apart.

Baseball coach Mr. Brian Hurry sees her as the heart of athletics. “When the weather changes or a game needs to be rescheduled, she’s my MVP,” he said. He knows how quickly things can change during a season, and he depends on her to keep everything together. “She helps me stay organized, which sometimes feels impossible,” he said smiling.

Her calm demeanor and ability to help people is what stands out most. Coach Hurry said it’s the way that she can connect with others that makes her different. “She does everything in such a motherly way,” he said. “She’s the kind of person who always wants to help, no matter how busy she is. The students know they can count on her.”

That reliability she brings are heart felt connections make it why she is such and important part to MC success. “She’s selfless, organized, and consistent,” Mr. Segroves said. “She’s the rock of the athletic department.”

For Mrs. Mann a typical day begins long before the bell rings. She emails coaches, confirms buses, keeps families informed about forthcoming events, and looks over the calendar for each sport throughout the year. “It’s kind of like Groundhog Day,” she said. “You’re doing the same thing, but something new always gets thrown in.”

Even after a season concludes, she continues to work on that sport alongside whatever current season she’s in. Right now she is already planning out winter and even spring sports. Although  the routine can be demanding, she says she enjoys it.

A friend told her about a job opening as assistant to the AD at MC, and she immediately knew she would enjoy the job. “I love it,” she said. “I don’t get Sunday scaries like some people do. Every day brings something new, and it’s always rewarding.”

Her teamwork with coaches and staff make everything easier and run way smoother. A job like this can get stressful but she says her support staff is amazing. “I work really well with Mr. Segroves,” she said. “We talk things through and keep everything organized.”

As a MC parent to Garret Mann ’26, Daniel Mann ’28, and Marty Mann ’25, Mrs. Mann understands how important communication is. “I always think like a parent,” she said. “How can I make it easier for them to find what they need?”

She takes pride in ensuring parents and others are up to date with the schedule as well as the newsletter. Students are also in her care. Many stop by to say hi because she is really the momma bear of MC. Even in a school and department with all males, she’s a perfect fit.

“I grew up with three brothers,” she said, laughing. “So I’m used to it.” The office is often filled with laughter, and she’s part of what makes it a welcoming place. “Someone’s always laughing in the coaches’ office,” she said. “It’s a fun place to work. It feels like family.”

Despite not wearing a uniform or being on highlight reels, Mrs. Mann’s influence goes beyond any play that wins the game. She is the one that makes sure every season runs smoothly. Her work and enthusiasm contribute to MC culture in major ways.

Although many don’t see her work, its effects are felt everywhere. Every victory, every event, and everyone that is brightened up by her is proof of her dedication. Many around MC agree with Coach Hurry that she is the true MVP.

“She’s the right way to be at Mount Carmel,” Perlberg said.