Claire Nolan, Massachusetts – 1989

Claire Nolan, Massachusetts – 1989

Claire Nolan has had a distinguished career as a teacher, coach, official, and administrator.  She is held in the most high esteem by her profession.  He life has been devoted to serving others.

Through the years, she has been especially concerned and involved in the promotion of equal opportunities for girls and women in physical education and sports.  The MAHPERD, MIAA, Boston Board of Officials, Boston University, CO, and New Agenda: Northeast have all honored her with awards for her outstanding contributions in this regard.  She has served on countless committees in all of the professional organizations to which she has belonged and has always given the utmost of her time and talents.  She often has worked behind the scenes to accomplish goals for the benefit of all.  She has been involved with community activities and has been a distinguished participant and prime mover in the area of golf for girls and women.

Claire received both her Bachelor and Master degrees in physical education from Boston University.  She worked in the Waltham Public School system from 1946 to 1992 (with a 4 year break when she tought at the Marycliff Academy in Winchester, MA, from 1947-1951).  She retired as director of physical education from the Waltham Public Schools.

Claire coached women’s basketball at Matignon High School, Cambridge, MA, (11 tournament appearances / 8 league championships) from 1947-1971.  She coached women’s basketball at St. Mary’s High School in Waltham from 1957-1971 and at Waltham High School from 1970-1974.

Her many committee experiences resulted in success for women in sports.  She served on a committee to draw up regulations for State Law 622.  She helped set guidelines for interscholastic athletics for girls.  Claire represented the Massachusetts DGWS to the MIAA Board of Control, served on the eligibility review board and sportsmanship committee, and was the site director for North Sectional and State volleyball and basketball tournaments.  She was instrumental in the hiring of a woman in the MIAA office.

Her related experiences in women’s athletics includes (1951-1992) Massachusetts Division American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State Recreation Director, (1972-1992) Waltham Adult Education Golf Instructor, and (1970-1992) director of theGirls’ Individual High School State Golf Tournament.

From 1957-1992, Claire played in the New England Women’s Golf Championship, U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, and the U.S. Women’s Senior championship.  In 1966-1968 she was selected to play on the Massachusetts Endicott Cup team and in 1967 she was selected to play on the Massachusetts Griscom Cup team.

Claire is a life member of the National Education Association.  She also holds memberships in the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Waltham School Administrators Association, the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Claire Nolan has received many honors: 1969 honorary life member of the Boston Board of Officials, 1970 CYO National Award for God and Youth, 1970 Boston University Dudley Allen Sargent Award, 1981 Boston University Sargent College Spirit Award, 1986 the MAHPERD Honor Award, and 1989 she was named the Teacher of the Year by the Special Education Parents in Waltham, MA.  In 1989 Clair was inducted into the New Agenda: Northeast women’s Hall of Fame.  In 1992 she was inducted as a charter member into the Matignon High School Hall of Fame.  Also in1992 she received the Boston University Hall of Fame William C. “Bill” French Memorial Award.

“Her tenacious drive to make things better for all students in physical education and sports was impressive.  She should be commended for her service to the profession and especially for her efforts in furthering the development of opportunities for girls and women.  As a former physical education teacher, coach and official, I recognize the value of her contributions and have seen the impact they have had in Massachusetts.” Rose Somensini, 1992.