main content Endowed Fund Honors Former Women’s Coach
When Title IX became law in 1972, the women’s sports programs began to blossom. Under Hunter’s leadership, the women’s competitive volleyball and basketball teams got their start.
As an L&C student in the 1950s, Hunter played softball, volleyball, field hockey, and basketball. After completing her graduate degree at Oregon State University, she returned to Lewis & Clark as an assistant professor of physical education and head of the extramural program. When Title IX became law in 1972, the women’s sports programs began to blossom. Under Hunter’s leadership, the women’s competitive volleyball and basketball teams got their start.
Success followed. Women’s volleyball earned conference titles in 1969, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977, and district titles in 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1976. During 1975, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women held the first small college National Championship, and Lewis & Clark qualified to attend and also compete again in 1976. Coach Hunter also led the women’s basketball team to conference victories in 1971, 1972, 1974, and 1977. A thrilling final game win over Oregon State University B gave L&C its first Northwest District basketball tournament title in 1975!
Coach Hunter fought for equality and inclusion in athletics from practice time to changing rooms to uniforms, and was unwavering in her desire to be a better coach, often attending seminars, clinics, and workshops to improve her coaching skills. Her determination to succeed is one reason L&C teams were so strong, and she paved the way for future female Lewis & Clark coaches. Coach Hunter didn’t stop there, though, as she also kindly offered advice and support to competitor coaches to boost the standards of women’s athletics for all teams. Simply put, Coach Hunter was a true advocate for all women’s athletes, coaches, and teams.
Mary Lou Hunter was inducted into the Lewis & Clark Hall of Fame as an athlete in 1986, and the NAIA District II Hall of Fame as a coach in 1994. In the spring of 1998, after 33 years of teaching and coaching, she retired from Lewis & Clark with the title of Associate Professor Emerita.
Donations to Hunter’s endowed fund will provide ongoing funding for coaches’ professional development, ensuring that Hunter’s legacy will continue in perpetuity. More than $50,000 has been raised thus far, with a goal of $250,000 (and hopefully more!).
Contact:
Doug Lennox, OLY, Athletics Advancement Officer dlennoxii@lclark.edu 503-768-7902
