Jeannette E. Crooker, Rhode Island – 2002

Jeannette E. Crooker, Rhode Island – 2002

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Jeannette taught K-12 physical education at Chadwick School in Rolling Hills, California.  She was also coach for girls’ basketball, softball, field hockey, and volleyball.  In 1955, she joined the faculty at the University of Rhode Island where she remained until June, 1991.  At URI, Jeannette taught service classes to major undergraduate and graduate students for both women and men.  She also coached two sports each year from 1955-1978 and organized co-ed intramural programs.

Her boards affiliations include the Division for Girls’ and Women’s Sports of AAHPERD (district and state coordinator, 1968-1970).  She was a member of the IRAHPERD (president, 1955), the Northeast Field Hockey Association, the United States Field Hockey Association and the RI Field Hockey Association.  She is also a member of the National Association of Physical Education for College Women.

Very few records are available concerning women’s athletics prior to 1970.  URI did participate in the New England Field Hockey Tournaments.  They hosted the New England Women’s Basketball tournament in 1972 participated in basketball tournaments in 1978 and 1979.  Jeannette served as the coordinator of intercollegiate athletics for women at URI from 1973-1975 and from 1979-1984.  She also served as a field judge for women’s track & field at URI.  Several URI teams participated in post-season EAIAW Tournament play: 1980 softball, 1981 lacrosse, and 1972 basketball.

Jeannette has received the AAHPERD Honor Award in 1970 and was inducted into the URI Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.

Jeannette retired from active coaching and returned to full-time teaching and administration in 1978.  In 1988 she was appointed chairperson of the department, a position she held until 1994.  From 1978-1995, Jeannette supervised physical education major students, exercise science majors, and aging option students.  She remained in active association with the athletic department until her retirement.