ABOUT
She would forge a trail for aspiring young women with a passion for sports in Girard, leading the way by her example. Her involvement spanned basketball, softball, and track during her time at Girard High School, resulting in her earning a total of six varsity letters. Her deep interest in athletics opened doors, allowing her to make her mark as a coach for Girard's youth in Little League—an accomplishment that made her the town's inaugural female Little League manager. Her coaching journey took a significant leap when she steered her team to victory in the 1979 Little League championship at the remarkable age of 19. This early success set the stage for her continued achievements. Venturing into higher education, she secured a softball scholarship to Kent State University, where she excelled as a player in positions such as first base, catcher, and designated hitter. Her dedication paid off as she graduated with honors. Her entrance into the realm of collegiate coaching began in 1983, where she embarked on her role as a strength coach and assistant softball coach at Ohio University. This was only the beginning. Swiftly, she achieved a monumental feat as the first and sole Girard High School female graduate to ascend to the position of NCAA Division I head coach. She earned this distinction by taking on the role of head softball coach at Ohio U. During her tenure, she amassed an impressive record of 43 wins over three seasons, securing a notable place in the Mid-American Conference tournament in 1986 where her team finished fourth. Through every challenge, she faced it head-on, bolstered by her competitive spirit and a captivating, infectious smile that has become her hallmark.
accomplishments
- Trailblazer for Women in Sports: The individual under discussion paved the way for aspiring young women with a passion for sports in Girard. By leading through example, she demonstrated that women could excel in the realm of athletics.
- Versatile Athlete: During her time at Girard High School, she participated in basketball, softball, and track, amassing a total of six varsity letters across these sports.
- Coaching Career: Early in her coaching journey, she became Girard's inaugural female Little League manager. Her success in this role, including leading her team to victory in the 1979 Little League championship, laid the foundation for her future accomplishments.
- Collegiate Athlete: She secured a softball scholarship to Kent State University, where she displayed her skills as a player, taking on various positions such as first base, catcher, and designated hitter.
- Collegiate Coaching: In 1983, she entered the world of collegiate coaching, starting as a strength coach and assistant softball coach at Ohio University.
- Division I Head Coach: She achieved a significant milestone as the first and only Girard High School female graduate to become a Division I head coach. She took on the role of head softball coach at Ohio University.
- Impressive Coaching Record: During her tenure as head softball coach at Ohio University, she led her team to 43 wins over three seasons. Her team's performance earned them a notable place in the Mid-American Conference tournament in 1986, where they finished fourth.
- Competitive Spirit: Throughout her journey, she exhibited a fierce competitive spirit that fueled her determination to succeed. Her captivating and infectious smile became a hallmark of her approach to challenges
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