McKendree University Athletics

Sally, an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, influenced sports programs at the high school, collegiate, and the professional level. In 1974, as the first woman coach to join the staff at Effingham High School, she established the school’s first women’s sports team, a track squad. Under her guidance, the team went undefeated its first four season and lost only three meets during Sally’s six years as coach. In 1980, Sally stepped up to the collegiate level and Division I competition as head coach of Bradley University’s women’s track and cross country teams. She was at Bradley three years and during her tenure as coach, Sally guided the university’s first female All-Americans. She also was at the helm when Bradley qualified its first women’s team for the nationals. During the early ‘80s Sally’s contributions extended to the Olympic arena. She worked with the two Olympic Committees and the U.S. Olympic men’s sprint team.  Sally walked into the spotlight coach with the Kansas City Royals organization. Within two months of joining the Royals as conditioning coordinator for the organization’s minor league farm system, Sally was credited with cutting player injuries by more than 50 percent.