Born: 1939 (Nashville, Tennessee)
Died: 2005
Sue Gunter (May 22, 1939 – August 4, 2005) was an American women’s college basketball coach, best known for her tenure as the head coach of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Lady Tigers basketball team. Gunter’s impact on women’s basketball and her legacy as a coach make her an important figure in the sport’s history.
Sue Gunter was born on May 22, 1939, and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She developed a passion for basketball at a young age and honed her skills playing on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team sponsored by Nashville Business College. Gunter excelled on the court, earning AAU All-America honors in 1960. Her talents and dedication to the sport would later pave the way for her success as a coach.
Gunter attended George Peabody College for Teachers, now part of Vanderbilt University, where she played alongside another basketball legend, Nera White. Despite Peabody not having a women’s basketball team, Gunter continued to play for Nashville Business College’s AAU team. She graduated from Peabody in 1962, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
After completing her education, Gunter embarked on a coaching career that would span over four decades. Her first coaching job was at Middle Tennessee State University, where she led the Blue Raiders to undefeated seasons in 1962-1964. Gunter then moved to Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she had a highly successful coaching stint. In her 16 years as head coach of the LadyJacks from 1964 to 1980, Gunter amassed an impressive record of 266 wins and 87 losses. She guided SFA to four top 10 national rankings, including top 5 final rankings in 1979 and 1980. Gunter’s coaching prowess extended beyond basketball, as she also coached softball, tennis, and track. Under her leadership, SFA’s basketball teams made five Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) playoffs, won four state titles, and achieved a regional crown.
In 1980, Gunter decided to step down as coach at SFA and transitioned into the role of Director of Women’s Athletics. After two years in the administrative position, Gunter returned to coaching and accepted the head coaching position at LSU in 1982. Over the next 22 years, Gunter would leave an indelible mark on the LSU Lady Tigers basketball program.
During her tenure at LSU, Gunter led the Lady Tigers to 14 NCAA Tournaments and two WNITs. She guided the team to the Final Four in 2004 and to the Elite Eight in 1986, 2000, and 2003. In 1985, Gunter’s coaching prowess resulted in a championship at the WNIT. Her teams also claimed SEC Tournament Championships in 1991 and 2003. Under Gunter’s guidance, LSU celebrated 14 seasons with 20 or more wins, including one 30-win season.
However, Gunter faced personal challenges during her career. In the middle of the 2003-2004 season, she took a medical leave of absence and was later diagnosed with emphysema and pneumonia. Assistant head coach Pokey Chatman took over as interim coach, leading the team to a respectable 15-5 record for the remainder of the season.
Sue Gunter’s tireless dedication to the sport and her commitment to coaching young women left an enduring impact on the basketball community. Her accomplishments on the court, coupled with her role as a mentor and leader, earned her widespread recognition and respect. In 2000, Gunter was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her place among the sport’s greatest contributors.
Sue Gunter passed away on August 4, 2005, leaving behind a rich legacy and a lasting impact on women’s college basketball.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.