Elon Women’s Athletics turns 50 in 2021! Here is where I’ll post updates on a special research project to preserve women’s athletics history.
Overview:
In 1971, Janie Brown inadvertently became the godmother of the then Elon College women’s athletics program. The educator by profession was asked to coach women wanting to compete in athletics. The program started with basketball and volleyball.
After one season of each, Janie realized the young women more than a teacher, they needed a real coach. Elon went on to hire its first women’s basketball coach – Sandra Kay Yow.
This project will tell the story of the humble beginnings of the women’s athletics program at Elon University, a small Liberal Arts school in North Carolina.
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My articles:
- Charlotte Smith hosts mentor Sylvia Hatchell, UNC as Elon Women’s Basketball hold season opener at Schar Center
- Kim DeCesare making good on a long-held goal with Elon Women’s Soccer
- Charlotte Smith making her mark on women’s basketball
- Get to know Elon University head coach Charlotte Smith
Resources:
More Women participate in Athletics: The Pendulum May 8, 1975
UNDER THE OAKS: Elon University Archives and Special Collections Blog
- Women’s History Month: Women’s Athletics at Elon in the 1920s-1930s
- Women’s History Month: Women’s Athletics at Elon in the 1960s-1970s