Naomi Graves, Massachusetts – 2008

Naomi Graves, Massachusetts – 2008

Naomi is currently an Associate Professor and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Springfield College.  She recognizes that the passage of Title IX gave her the opportunity to receive an athletic scholarship for basketball at the University of Rhode Island.  “That opportunity changed my life.”  After graduation she decided to become a Coach and has been involved with coaching college basketball for 26 years.

As a teacher/coach at Springfield College for the past 17 years, Naomi has helped young graduate students enter the coaching profession.  “I have watched and mentored these individuals to train for head coaching positions ….. Ten individuals are now coaching at the college level.”

A recipient of the Heights Award for her contributions to girls and women  sports, Naomi continues to coach her players and mentor her student coaches at Springfield College.