Born: 1926 (United States)
Biography:
Mildred Barnes is an American basketball coach and executive who has made significant contributions to the world of women’s basketball. Born on November 30, 1926, in the United States, Barnes has been a trailblazer in the sport and has left an indelible mark on its development.
Barnes attended Boston University and graduated with an undergraduate degree from Sargent College. She continued her education at Boston University’s School of Education and earned a doctoral degree. During her time at Boston University, Barnes participated in various sports, showcasing her athleticism and competitive spirit. She excelled in sports such as volleyball, basketball, fistball, field hockey, lacrosse, softball, soccer, tennis, and badminton.
After completing her education, Barnes began her teaching career at Winchester High School in Winchester, Massachusetts. In addition to teaching, she also became a coach for field hockey, basketball, and softball. Her dedication to coaching and her passion for sports made a lasting impact on her students and players.
Barnes also played a pivotal role in various organizations related to women’s sports. She was actively involved in the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD). Barnes chaired the Committee on the Division for Girls’ and Women’s Sports (DGWS) in Massachusetts and also served on softball and basketball committees. From 1952 to 1955, she held a position on the executive committee of the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA).
Recognized for her expertise and contributions, Barnes was appointed as a member of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Committee from 1965 to 1972. Her deep understanding of the sport and dedication to its development led to her appointment as the committee’s chair from 1974 to 1976. Barnes played a significant role in the inclusion and growth of women’s basketball in the Olympics.
Barnes’s coaching career reached new heights when she became the head coach for the women’s basketball team at the University of Iowa from 1966 to 1969. Under her leadership, the Iowa team participated in the first postseason intercollegiate invitational tournament in 1969, where they achieved an impressive fourth-place finish.
In 1971, Barnes took on a new coaching role at Central Missouri University, where she coached the women’s basketball team until 1980. During her tenure, Barnes led the team to multiple victories and successes. Notably, she coached the team representing the United States in the inaugural Jones Cup Tournament in 1977.
Barnes’s coaching record at Central Missouri speaks volumes of her exceptional skills and leadership. She compiled an impressive overall record of 156 wins and 63 losses, resulting in a remarkable win percentage of .712. Her coaching prowess and dedication to the sport continue to inspire aspiring coaches and players in the women’s basketball community.
In addition to her coaching achievements, Barnes made significant contributions as an executive in the Division for Girls’ and Women’s Sports (DGWS). This organization, a part of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, played a vital role in the development of women’s basketball in the mid-20th century. Barnes served on various committees and served as the principal editor of the DGWS Basketball Guide in 1965-66.
Barnes’s commitment to advancing women’s basketball was crucial in the sport’s journey towards Olympic recognition. She played a pivotal role in the early stages of women’s basketball’s inclusion in the Olympics. Her tenure on the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball committee and her subsequent role as its chair cemented her status as a linchpin in the growth and development of women’s basketball on both national and international stages.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions and achievements, Barnes was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. Her impact on the sport and her dedication to advancing women’s basketball have left an indelible legacy.
Awards:
– Inductee, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, 2000
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