Lenore Cranston, Rhode Island – 1993

Lenore’s professional career has been aimed at “increasing and improving the opportunities for girls to enjoy the challenges of competition.” She retired in 1990 after coaching and advocating for 29 years, including the development of sport days and advocacy efforts to have the Rhode Island Principal’s Committee recognize interscholastic leagues for girls.

During her career she coached volleyball, softball, field hockey, basketball, and gymnastics. From 1971 until her retirement, her basketball teams played in 16 state playoffs, winning the state championship in 1973 and 1980. Her field hockey teams won two state championships.

Her honors are many. She has been named the Coach of the Year in 1980 by the University of Rhode Island Athletic Department and by the Rhode Island High School Girls’ Basketball Coaches’ Association. In 1987 she received the Coaches Association Award for contributions to girls’ basketball. In 1988 she received the Alice Sullivan Award for service to Women’s Athletics presented by the Rhode Island Board of Basketball Officials. In 1991 the A. Lenore Cranston Award was established by the Association of Rhode Island Women in Sport.