A decade ago, Jen Rahn’s vantage point at Mrachek Middle School used to afford her a view of things happening on the fields at adjacent Rangeview High School.
She was always impressed watching the school’s football team as well as the boys soccer team, which was coached by then-athletic director Vic Strouse, and envisioned herself in charge of the operation one day in the future.
After more than two decades in Aurora Public Schools at multiple schools in different capacities, that day has arrived as Rahn has been hired as Rangeview’s new AD.
“I’m still in awe in a lot of ways,” Rahn told the Sentinel about getting the job. “I used to bring my track athletes from Mrachek over to Rangeview, so I would always see the football team out there and I would always see (then-athletic director) Vic (Strouse) with his soccer team. I always thought that was my dream job.”
Rahn is one of three new high school athletic directors in the APS district for the 2026-27 school year, as he joins Matthew Koscove at Vista PEAK Prep (see story, here) and Emily Bradshaw at Aurora West College Prep Academy.
Rangeview’s turnover in the athletic director position is rare for a school that opened its doors back in 1983. Rahn becomes just the sixth person — and the first female — to serve as AD as the school enters its 43rd year.
Joe Burton, Tony Antolini, Strouse — who remains the boys soccer coach — Shawn Palmer and Erick Swanson (who held the position for the past three years) preceded Rahn, who is no stranger to the school. She’s been there for the past eight years and served as an assistant principal for the last seven.
“Obviously, these are big shoes to fill, but Rangeview is a really special place,” Rahn said. “There are so many people here that have such a legacy. … They were athletes here, they graduated and now they are staff here. There is so much involvement.”
Rahn has a significant advantage in that her previous time helps her to understand the community and what it is about, however there are significant changes that will require learning for her and adjustment for a mostly veteran coaching staff.
A shift in bell schedule for APS high schools — with school beginning at 8:20 a.m. and ending at 3:50 p.m. — will cause a ripple effect in terms of scheduling of transportation to contests as well as timing of home games and practices. There are several other behind-the-scenes changes that also will need to take place.
“It’s definitely been a whirlwind so far, this is the best job, doing fun things with kids,” she said.
Rahn is looking forward to many things in the upcoming year, including the return of the Anvil football game between Rangeview and rival Gateway (where Rahn also spent time) and what school boys basketball star Archie Weatherspoon V will select. She said she will also focus on expanding female sports teams at Rangeview as well as take part in a district-wide initiative to focus on building up the participation of the incoming class of freshmen.
“One of my charges is getting more freshmen involved in athletics and activities,” Rahn said. “The more involved you are in your school, the better you do and the more well-rounded person you are.”
Rahn is part of a restructured administration team at Rangeview that includes a new principal in Lauryn Gray.
Courtney Oakes is Aurora Sentinel Sports Editor. Reach him at sports@sentinelcolorado.com. Twitter/X: @aurorasports. IG: Sentinel Prep Sports
