Van Sistine shifts gears as Jodarski bids farewell after decades of service

photo from Oshkosh West High School Facebook page

For 26 years, West athletics and activities have prospered under Brad Jodarski’s leadership, achieving a number of state titles and individual successes that will live eternally in the athletic history book. However, at the end of the year, Jodarski will retire and become a part of that history, passing the reins to Kelly Van Sistine, who will take over next year. Van Sistine, who also taught English at West, has coached both the girls and boys swim team from 2015 to 2026, culminating in a variety of state appearances.

It may seem hard to walk away after two and a half decades, but Jodarski is comfortable with his choices.

“It feels kind of surreal. It’s hard to believe that much time has gone past but I’m at peace with my decision. I’ve had a really good run, and it’s time for somebody else to take over,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here and it has been like a second home for me. It’s just really hard to believe how fast the time’s gone.”

Jodarski has shared valuable experiences during his times with West athletics.

“In my first year here, we were going to state in boys basketball and it was just crazy,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of good runs and a lot of good sports. For example, some of the North-West rivalry games, my first year in Titan Stadium was basically full.”

Van Sistine appreciates how much Jodarski has improved and developed this department.

“It is incredibly humbling to follow in the footsteps of someone like Brad Jodarski, who has dedicated 20+ years to building the foundation of this department,” she said. “I have always had a deep love for the Wildcat community, so returning to Oshkosh West in this leadership capacity is very exciting.”

Van Sistine believes her experience will ease the transition to her new role.

 “Having been a coach, I know how much heart and soul our students and staff pour into their programs,” she said. “Stepping into this role feels like the perfect opportunity to give back to a place that has given me so much, and I am incredibly grateful.”

Everything requires some amount of time to learn and master, but Nicole Fischer, the girls track and field head coach, is confident that Van Sistine will be able to excel as the athletic director.

“I can’t see any concerns. I think Mrs. Van Sistine has been with the school and with the program, and she has a lot of experience and a lot of enthusiasm,” she said. “She also had a really great swim program, and I think we have a lot of opportunities to learn from her and really build a great culture in the school.”

Being a director requires immense organizational, leadership and communication skills, and Adam Stuiber, the girls wrestling head coach, believes that Van Sistine brings all of these to her new post.

“While there’s a lot of things, moving parts, and paper work, I think Mrs. Van Sistine is going to do a phenomenal job with that,” he said. “She’s always shown that she’s tremendously organized.”

Stuiber also reminded that in order to better the program, everyone needs to entrust themselves under her leadership.

“I'm sure there’s going to be some struggles along the way, but you need to have full faith and her abilities to work through those things and make not only our athletic programs better, but herself as an individual and as a professional,” he said. 

Van Sistine is determined to develop every student into leaders capable of strengthening the community.

“My goal is to build a culture where pride in being a Wildcat is defined by character, resilience, and how we treat one another. I want every student to leave our programs with a sense of belonging and the leadership skills they need for the rest of their lives,” she said. “For me, success means that our students are proud to wear blue and white because of the community we’ve built together.”

Stuiber also mentions the importance of growth as a community, not just as individuals.

“I would say just continue to promote the athletic culture here, continue to build it and continue to grow it,” he said. “I know Mrs. Van Sistine is going to do that so we’re tremendously excited to have her a part of the athletic culture here as a whole and continue to show and be visible, helping the programs and the head coaches grow not only as coaches but their athletes as well.”

Van Sistine also acknowledges the foundations of West athletics, striving for the enhancement of experience for student-athletes.

“We already have an incredible foundation here, but my goal is to enhance the student-athlete experience by ensuring every program, from our largest teams to our smallest clubs, have the resources and advocacy they need to thrive,” she said. “I want every student to know that Wildcat Athletics and Activities has a place for you.”

Moreover, she agrees on the importance of representing the student-athletes’ demands for their sense of involvement.

“These programs are where we build community, learn resilience, and create lifelong memories. Whether you are a varsity captain, a member of a new club, or a fan in the student section, you are a vital part of our success,” she said. “I am committed to being your biggest advocate and fan, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things we will accomplish together.”

by Mark Jung

Published March 20, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue VI