Susan Robbins, Maine – 2025
Susan Robbins, a proud alumna of Belfast Public Schools (Maine) and Springfield College (MA), has dedicated 28 years to advancing girls’ and women’s sports, leaving a profound mark on athletics in Maine. She currently serves as the Athletic Director for grades 6-12 in RSU 71, her alma mater, where she began her career as a teacher and athletic director at just 23 years old. At that time, women in athletic administration in Maine were exceedingly rare, yet Robbins committed herself to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in sports, building a legacy of leadership and advocacy that continues to inspire.
Throughout her career, Robbins has championed women in athletic administration, mentoring countless colleagues and helping to grow their confidence in leadership roles. She hosts all-female athletic director Zoom sessions to share best practices and foster collaboration across the state. Today, thanks in part to her influence and mentorship, Maine boasts 32 women serving as athletic directors in middle and high schools – a number that continues to grow. Robbins’ dedication to supporting others has made her one of the most respected voices in Maine athletics.
Robbins’ leadership extends beyond mentoring and networking. In 2023, she became the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator for the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, creating training for coaches on best practices in DEI and promoting participation by underrepresented groups, particularly girls and women in sports. Her latest initiative is focused on creating opportunities for girls’ wrestling in Maine. Inspired by four all-girls exhibition meets hosted in Belfast, she submitted a Girls Wrestling Proposal to the Maine Principals Association in February 2025, advocating for the sport’s recognition and growth statewide.
Susan Robbins’ achievements and service have earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the Maine Principals Association Unsung Heroine in Maine Sports Award, the MIAAA’s Gerry Durgin Leadership Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the Athletic Director of the Year Award, as well as a National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Citation Award – one of only eight awarded nationally. Her vision, dedication, and advocacy have transformed athletics in Maine, ensuring that future generations of girls and women will have equitable opportunities to participate, lead, and succeed.