Born: May 9, 1931
Biography:
Betty Jo Graber, an influential leader in the world of women’s collegiate athletics, left an indelible mark on the sports industry. Born on May 9, 1931, Graber grew up with a deep love for sports and a fierce determination to challenge the norms of a male-dominated field. Throughout her remarkable life, she achieved numerous accomplishments and made significant contributions, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
Graber’s journey in sports began at Weatherford College, where she would later achieve great success as a coach. She joined the college as a student-athlete herself, participating in basketball and volleyball. Her exceptional skills and leadership abilities quickly became evident, and she soon set her sights on coaching to share her passion for sports with others.
After graduating from Weatherford College, Graber returned to her alma mater as a coach in 1957. Over the next 35 years, she dedicated herself to the sports program, leaving an indelible legacy. A trailblazer in her field, Graber guided her teams to unprecedented success. Her coaching expertise and unwavering dedication helped shape the lives of countless young athletes.
Graber’s impact extended far beyond the confines of her coaching role. In 1975, she played a pivotal role in the creation of the Women’s Division of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). Her visionary leadership and determination contributed to the establishment of a platform for female collegiate athletes to excel. As the NJCAA’s Region 5 Women’s Director, Graber worked tirelessly to promote opportunities for women in athletics.
Additionally, Graber chaired the NJCAA women’s basketball committee from its inception in 1975 until her retirement in 1991. Her invaluable contributions shaped the direction of women’s basketball within the NJCAA and solidified her reputation as a true pioneer in the realm of women’s collegiate athletics.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Graber was honored with numerous awards and accolades. She played a foundational role in the establishment of the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and was proudly inducted into its inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1998. Graber’s impact also extended to the national stage, as she earned a well-deserved place in the prestigious Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Graber’s dedication and resilience left an indelible mark on the NJCAA and women’s collegiate athletics as a whole. To honor her immense contributions, the NJCAA named the Female Student-Athlete of the Year award in her honor in 1992. This annual award recognizes the top female student-athlete who exhibits the same dedication, service, and resilience that defined Graber’s career.
Throughout her illustrious career, Graber’s impact extended beyond the basketball court. She served as an assistant coach for various national teams, including the USA Junior Select Team in 1977 and the National Junior Team in 1978. Graber’s coaching prowess also extended to international competition, as she assisted the 1979 World Championship and Pan American Teams, as well as the 1982 U.S. National Team. Her crowning achievement came as the team manager for the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the 1984 Olympics.
Betty Jo Graber’s remarkable journey and unwavering commitment to women’s collegiate athletics made her an influential figure who forever changed the world of sports. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of female athletes, as she blazed a trail for women in athletics and shattered glass ceilings. The entire NJCAA family mourns her passing but remains profoundly grateful for the lasting impact she had on the association and the countless lives she touched.
Awards:
– Member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class of the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (1998)
– Inductee into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class
– The NJCAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year award named in her honor (1992)