Miss Lou Elsner, lovingly known as “Sarge,” was the pioneer of Girls’ Sports at Cedarburg High School.  She began her teaching career in Cedarburg in 1958 and initiated girls’ participation in sports by arranging “play days” – four or five days during the school year to competitively participate in a sport.  As girls’ sports started to grow nationwide, Cedarburg High School girls first competed with other schools in 1970-71.  Miss Elsner coached and ran the basketball, volleyball, and track and field programs.

Miss Elsner personified hard work, competitiveness, and teamwork.  She had a “heart of gold” and helped to develop positive character and confidence through sports, as well as adding under-level play and additional sports.  She served as a girls’ sports mentor by convincing the athletes, their parents, the administration, and the community that they deserved the same opportunities as boys.  Through her leadership and guidance, Miss Elsner laid the foundation of today’s girls’ athletic programs at Cedarburg High School.