Lee Ann (Huffman) Wise ’83
A standout two-sport athlete at Lake Superior State College, Lee Ann Huffman Wise made a lasting impact on Laker Athletics from 1979 to 1983. In basketball, she ranks first all-time in assists (592), holds the single-season assists record (190 in 1982–83), and sits 18th on the career scoring list with 1,147 points. She was a Clifford Everett Most Valuable Athlete, Top Defensive Player, Terry McDermott Outstanding Freshman, and earned GLIAC Honorable Mention honors. She also lettered in softball her freshman year.
Reflecting on her time at LSSC, Lee Ann said, “I have many great memories of LSSC/LSSU. It is where I met the love of my life, Tim Wise (LSSC 1984 Graduate) and so many lifelong friends.” She went on to say, “Those friends include Dr. Julie Vincent, Karleen Thompson, Linda (Thompson) Hulu, Laurie (Thompson) Parker, Nancy (Lenz) Dole, Marti Wallace and Julie Dickinson. There are many others that I have shared a bond with living together in Laker Hall/House and I will always cherish those memories.”
After earning her bachelor’s in business, Lee Ann pursued a Certificate in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1989. She spent her 30-year career in Richfield Public Schools in Minnesota, earning a master’s (1993) and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership (1998). She served as Assistant Principal beginning in 1999 and became Principal of Centennial Elementary in 2001, retiring in 2019.
As head varsity basketball coach at Richfield High School (2006–2012), she led her teams to four Classic Suburban Conference titles and was named Conference Coach of the Year each time. In 2012, she earned Section Coach of the Year and led her team to the Class 3A State Runner-Up finish. Seventeen of her 21 players maintained GPAs of 3.0 or higher — a testament to her program’s focus on achievement and support beyond athletics.
In recognition of her impact, the City of Richfield declared June 3rd as Lee Ann Wise Day upon her retirement.
Lee Ann has been married to Tim Wise (LSSC ’84) for over 40 years. They have three children — Josh, Cory, and Hannah — and are proud grandparents to Bailey, Cooper, Mason, Beau, and Anaiya.