Longtime CHSL associate director assumes top role, succeeding Vic Michaels, 71, who died unexpectedly in December 2025
DETROIT — Mike Evoy, who has served as the Catholic High School League’s associate director since November 2009, was named as the league's director this week. Evoy succeeds Vic Michaels, 71, who directed the league for 23 years until his sudden and unexpected passing in December.
Evoy is the eighth person to serve as league director, overseeing educational and extracurricular activities at 33 member high schools as the CHSL prepares to enter its centennial year. He had served as interim league director until the Archdiocese of Detroit formally announced his promotion on Feb. 9.
“‘Job one’ was always to keep the student-athlete at the heart of the decisions — that was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, vision that Vic always had — doing what’s right for the student-athlete,” Evoy said. “That was the No. 1 goal as soon as I needed to step into the role, and it will be the guiding force going forward.”
Evoy said he was thoroughly influenced by Michaels, who was named a “Legend of the League” in 2024, as they worked together at the CHSL offices in downtown Detroit for 16 years.
“There are two main things I’m going to carry with me: First, whatever we do, we’re going to have to do it very well. ... To be mediocre is not acceptable,” Evoy said. “The other is to have patience. You always need to have patience with people and situations, and I’ve constantly reminded myself about that.”
The 49-year-old Ferndale resident is a proud product of the Catholic League, graduating from Detroit Holy Redeemer High School, the place where he also took his first coaching assignment. Evoy also worked at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic School in Warren, before stepping out of the school atmosphere to work in finances for Catholic parishes in the archdiocese.
Evoy credits a long list of mentors with shaping and preparing him to work in Catholic League athletics.
“I was fortunate enough to have numerous Catholic High School League coaches and administrators as my mentors,” Evoy said. “Mary Jo Evans — she’s in the Catholic League Hall of Fame — she was my athletic director when I was in elementary and high school. She actually hired me to be a high school basketball coach at Holy Redeemer. Pat Irwin was one of my coaches; he’s another hall of famer. Chris Snyder, the voice of the Catholic League, he was my dean of students in high school, so I’ve been blessed all the way through to be surrounded by some amazing people.”
Before Michaels' passing, Evoy said he and Michaels had discussed a possible transition plan for Michaels' eventual retirement.
“There was a plan in place,” Evoy said. “We thought we had more time to execute it, but that was always the plan.”
News of Evoy's appointment received positive reactions from across the Catholic High School League.
“He knows everything — he’s been around the MHSAA, the Catholic League, the CYO — he’s coached, he’s the total package,” Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes athletic director Sal Malek said. “He understands the vision of Vic Michaels, so he knows what the league is all about and what we stand for."
Malek praised Evoy for his fair-handed approach, saying he'll bring much-needed stability to the Catholic League.
“Mike does what’s best for everybody," Malek said. "The most important thing that he does is bring in the mission. We have a mission here more than just wins and losses. He knows everybody and everybody trusts him.”
Molly Campbell, athletic director at Bloomfield Hills Marian, said Evoy will do a "phenomenal job" as executive director, adding his confidence and honesty will serve him well.
“Mike Evoy has been a tremendous friend and mentor to me, someone who consistently leads with integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to what is best for our league and our student-athletes,” Campbell said. “Mike is deeply faith-filled, and that foundation guides the way he serves others and makes decisions. I couldn’t be happier for him as he steps into this well-deserved role — the Catholic League is in outstanding hands.”
Stephanie Caruso, the Catholic League's coordinator of student services and athletics, echoed those sentiments, adding Evoy's well-rounded experience will benefit not just athletes, but schools across the Catholic League.
“I think it’s a great choice; it’s well deserved,” Caruso said. “He’s been a part of the league and contributed in many different aspects; he’s worn different hats. We don’t just run athletics in our office; we’re part of schools and safety. He has a big part in the MHSAA on committees and in referees’ organizations. He will fit into the director role very easily, I believe.”
While Evoy is grateful for the opportunity, he is quick to credit others.
“I always talk about God’s plan, and I really believe that this is God’s plan, although the transition itself (after Michaels' passing) is not necessarily what I would have liked,” Evoy said. “But I’ve been influenced by so many different people in the Catholic League.”
