University of Maine Honors Pioneering Female Athletes with Varsity Letters
ORONO, Maine — Today, the University of Maine officially recognized a group of female student-athletes who competed in six varsity sports between 1971 and 1974, presenting them with varsity letters in a special ceremony held at the Dexter Lounge.
The event honored women who participated in basketball, field hockey, gymnastics, skiing, swimming and diving, and volleyball during an era when opportunities for female athletes were limited. Many did not receive official letters at the time of their competition, making this recognition particularly significant. “As a former letter winner and President of the M Club, I am deeply honored to join in recognizing the remarkable achievements of these pioneering women who paved the way for future generations of female athletes at the University of Maine,” said Ann Maxim, Director of Academic Support and UMaine Sports Hall of Famer. “This ceremony is more than just a presentation of varsity letters—it is a celebration of courage, dedication, and perseverance.”
The ceremony acknowledges the contributions of these athletes to the growth of women’s athletics at UMaine and beyond, a period often cited as crucial in the development of Title IX and its impact on collegiate sports. The honored Black Bears include Alison Buck, Barbara Poeppelmeier Eretzian, Catherine Cobb, Christine Folsom, Deborah L. Davis, Jan Johnston, Jane L. Lincoln, Janet LePage Beecher, Jill Longstaff, Joan Sawyer, Juliana J. Richard, Karen Boulos McPhee, Kathy Hanson Earle, Laurel Eleanor Friberg, Nancy McClure, Nancy L. Stetson, Sally Stone, and Virginia E. Geyer. A full list of honorees and their sports can be found on the University of Maine Athletics website.
Maxim added, “This recognition is a testament to their tenacity and an important reminder of the progress made—and the work still ahead—in supporting and celebrating women’s sports.” University officials stated they will continue to honor and support female athletes and advocate for equality in collegiate sports.
