Voices of the Hollow is an audio podcasting series that will highlight some of the people and places that define Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ University.
Betty Dillahunt, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ University class of 1946, doesn't describe herself as a women's sports pioneer. In many ways, her career speaks for itself.
The 1985 Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Athletics Hall of Honor inductee was a groundbreaking student-athlete, successful amateur and semi-professional athlete, legendary coach and, most importantly, an educator who made an impact upon thousands of students in a four-decade teaching career. Dillahunt won the Springfield women's golf title eight times, and she was a renowned fastpitch softball pitcher who played in seven world championships and hurled 14 no-hit games in a 25-year career. She was also a top field hockey player who earned all-star status while competing in 19 national tournaments. In her career, she coached nine different sports at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ and founded the field hockey program.
- (home of Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ softball)
When given the opportunity, Dillahunt can spin many a tale about her 60-plus years as a Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Tiger. In a 45-minute interview that touched on as many aspects of her career as possible, Dillahunt spoke easily and modestly of a lifetime of Tiger memories. A seven-minute excerpt of that interview is now online.
Dillahunt's life story may be an important part of Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's rich athletic heritage. To her, though, it simply makes for good conversation.
Written by Ryan Maurer and John Strawn '07
Photo by Robbie Gantt