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Instructors

Sara Lopez
University of Washington, Master of Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership Program

Lopez is currently a lecturer and the program administrator for the UW Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership master’s degree program. Her professional background includes experience as a recreation center manager; regional director for Washington Special Olympics; and program manger for national team activity, regional and national events and coaching education with USRowing. Lopez worked at the 1996 Olympics Games as Assistant Competition Manager for Rowing. She has an undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Pacific Lutheran University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Study from the University of Washington. After competing as a collegiate rower, Sara began coaching and continues today as Head Coach for Conibear Rowing Club. She volunteers with the Pocock Foundation Outreach Committee and with the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.

Patti Petesch
Recreation Programs Manager, City of Seattle

Petesch is a 36 year employee with Seattle Parks and Recreation, where she has coordinated and managed citywide athletics programs from youth and adult sports to special events and facility scheduling. As a member of the inter-agency team, she helped develop the Joint Athletics Field Development plan with Seattle Public Schools and the ensuing capital plan. She has planned and managed several major Seattle events and programs with national governing bodies and private funding, including, the Arco Jesse Owens Games and USA Track and Field National Junior Olympic Championships. As a community leader, Petesch has served as four year chair of the Athletic Section of the Washington Recreation and Park Association and on numerous boards. She has also written policy regarding sports participation and field use as well as reviews of sports issues for the Seattle Parks.

Tija Petrovich
Fitness Consultant, Seattle Times and King County, President and Owner, Pro Physique Corporation and Seattle Fitness Health Club Incorporated

With nearly 25 years of experience in the sports and fitness field, Petrovich has worked in a broad spectrum of areas within the industry. Since 1983, Petrovich has worked as a fitness club director and general manager: running day-to-day health club operations, training and managing staff members, supervising membership sales, and working one-on-one as a trainer with club members. Today, she is the president and owner of two fitness organizations and also serves as a health consultant within the Seattle community. She is the acting fitness expert for National Public Radio, King County and the Seattle Times as well as the published author of Lighten-Up!. As an accomplished body builder and lifelong athlete, Petrovich continues to support clients towards their health and fitness goals.

Bob Walsh
President, Bob Walsh Productions

With a combined background in sports, international diplomacy, cultural exchanges and humanitarian activities, Walsh has had a lifetime of experiences that have made contributions to a better world. These projects have varied from large scale operations which have received extensive international attention to unheralded assistance to individuals in severe need. Walsh's experiences range from earthquake relief in Armenia to serving as committee President and CEO for the Goodwill Games, considered the most successful exchange in the history of the U.S. and U.S.S.R. Previously, Walsh served as Assistant General Manager of the Supersonics and has been instrumental in organizing numerous sports events including: the NCAA Men's Soccer Championships, the NCAA Women's Final Four, and the NBA All-Star Games. He has also been credited for his role in creating "March Madness."

Guest Speakers

Some of the most prominent leaders in sports in the Northwest will share their expertise in all three courses.

Instructors are subject to change.