Born: 1906 (Carthage, Missouri)
Biography:
Bertha F. Teague was an influential figure in women’s basketball history, known for her remarkable coaching career and numerous accomplishments. Born on September 17, 1906, in Carthage, Missouri, Bertha grew up to become a trailblazer in the world of female athletics. Her tireless efforts and exceptional coaching skills made her a respected figure in the sport.
Teague’s journey in coaching began when her husband, Jess Teague, got a teaching position at Byng High School in Byng, Oklahoma, in 1927. Despite having no prior experience in playing or coaching basketball, she willingly took on the role of the high school girls’ basketball coach. This decision marked the start of an illustrious career that would span more than four decades.
During the early years of her coaching, Teague recognized the need to modernize and adapt the game to fit the changing times. In 1927, girls’ basketball was vastly different from the game as we know it today. Bertha took it upon herself to revolutionize the sport, not only in Oklahoma but also at the national level. She organized and led the first girls’ basketball clinic in the Southwest, sharing her knowledge and techniques with coaches and players alike.
Under Teague’s guidance, the Byng High School girls’ basketball team experienced unparalleled success. Her teams clinched an astonishing eight Oklahoma state titles, setting a new standard for excellence. Additionally, they achieved an incredible 98-game winning streak from 1936 to 1939, a testament to Teague’s exceptional coaching strategies and the dedication of her players.
Bertha Teague’s impact extended beyond the court. As a pioneer in women’s sports, she played a vital role in promoting and advocating for equal opportunities for female athletes. Her unwavering determination and commitment to breaking gender barriers made her a truly inspirational figure.
Teague’s contributions to women’s basketball did not go unnoticed. In 1974, the Jim Thorpe Athletic Awards Committee recognized her outstanding coaching career by naming her the Coach of the Decade for the 1930s, 1940s, and 1970s. This prestigious honor highlighted her enduring influence and celebrated her lasting legacy in the sport.
The recognition continued to pour in for Teague. In 1985, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of the most remarkable coaches in basketball history. In 1999, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame also enshrined her, acknowledging her immense contributions to the advancement of women’s basketball.
Bertha Teague’s impact on the sport reached far beyond the state of Oklahoma. Her coaching philosophy, discipline, and transformative approach became a template for coaches everywhere, inspiring a new generation of female athletes. Her dedication to the game and her unwavering pursuit of excellence continue to inspire countless individuals.
Awards:
– Coach of the Decade for the 1930s, 1940s, and 1970s (Jim Thorpe Athletic Awards Committee, 1974)
– Inductee, Basketball Hall of Fame (1985)
– Inductee, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)