40 Under 40: Jennie McCourtie

Serving in the place that raised you is a wonderful experience, says Othello High School Athletic Director Jenny McCourtie.

“I think that’s the best part about the job, is giving back. Especially to your hometown,” she said during a prior interview with staff. 

McCourtie runs the athletic programs for both OHS and Othello Middle School and takes a great deal of pride in representing the Central Washington Athletic Conference as one of the few female athletic directors in the state. 

An accomplished athlete herself, McCourtie played softball and basketball in high school and has her 1,000-point basketball sitting in her office. As an AD, she hopes to pass on the work ethic that got her there to the students at OHS and OMS. It’s about passing on work ethic.

“Teaching the kids just hard work,” McCourtie said of her goals. “You don’t always have to be the best, but if you work hard good results are going to come.”

Among her other successes, McCourtie was named CWAC AD of the year in 2021 and has helped encourage students toward several accomplishments, including multiple regional and state championships and placings during her time at the helm of Othello athletics.