Barbara Damon, Massachusetts – 1993

Starting in 1955 when Barbara was awarded the Holten Cup as the best female athlete, she has continued to be active in girls’ and women’s athletics and to be recognized by many of her peers and professional colleagues. Her professional career has included coaching swimming, field hockey, and softball as well as officiating in swimming.

Her varsity swim teams accumulated a Northeast Conference record of 62-1-11 and an overall varsity record of 81-8-11, winning the 1991 NEC Conference. Her field hockey teams also compiled outstanding records, with an overall of 118-0-19. In 1987, 1990, and 1992 they were the North Sectional finalists and in 1980, 1989, and 1991 they were the North Sectional Champions. As a JV softball coach, she compiled a record of 123-29-1. In 1991 they were the Eastern MA state finalists and in 1992 the North Sectional semi-finalists.

Barbara’s honors are numerous: the Holten Cup in 1955; Outstanding Woman Athlete from Salem State College in 1959; Field Hockey Coach of the Year from the Salem News in 1987; Boston Globe, Northeastern Conference and Salem News Field Hockey Coach of the Year in in 1988; Northeastern Conference and Salem News Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1989; Salem State College Hall of Fame Inductee in 1990; Northeastern Conference Swimming Coach of the Year in 1991; and Northeastern Conference Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1992.