Linda Lundin, Massachusetts – 2024

Raised by parents who were unable to truly care for her, Linda Lundin has helped to create a collection of and about women in sports that can serve as a stimulus and motivational incentive for girls today. It was through church basketball that she first learned the value of joy in life, to know how to trust, to have fun and how to be her best. With the coaching encouragement from her softball coach, Lorraine Sumner and the influence of Mary Pratt, Linda learned to referee and umpire, getting her associate umpire rating in 1960 at age 15. Officiating made her feel like a healthy, normal and strong person for the first time in her life.

The importance of team sports is very significant in Linda’s life. She along with partner Kathy Bertrand started collecting photos and moments in women’s sports; teams and individual women athletes. The major collection of “historically” significant items has been donated to the Bridgewater State University archives. It is hoped that this collection will inspire girls to participate in sports and become part of a team, learning lifetime values and gaining friendships.

The collection ranges from the mid 1800s to 1970s (some newer additions have been made) with team and individual photos from many different venues. There is a huge collection of All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) highlighting its history from 1943 to 1954. Linda and Kathy have volunteered to write columns for the AAGPBL newsletters and have provided transportation to many events for former league players. Currently Bridgewater State University archivist Dr. Orson Kingsley and professor Dr. Maura Rosenthal are working on an on-line presentation called “Honoring Women in Sports”. Linda believes that “this collection contributes to the promotion and recognition of all women athletes by validating their past, present and future achievements.”