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UB and Women In SportsIn 1899 Nathalie Kavaleff Mankell, native of Finland, came to the University to teach in the medical department. Her specialty was Medical Gymnastics, which she continued to practice and promote as she also pursued a medical degree, graduating from the University in 1911. Women
and Athletics gained a foothold through Dr. Mankell, and by the fall of
1922, enough support was garnered to establish the University’s “Women’s
Athletics Association.” Dr. Lillias MacDonald,
the dean of women, called a meeting of women students where they formulated
plans and adopted a constitution. MacDonald had been born in Buffalo,
attended Oberlin College and upon returning to Buffalo, became the Supervisor
of Physical Education in Buffalo’s grammar schools and later, Physical Education
Director at Masten Park high school.
Upon the completion of those
initial plans, immediate results began to take place. Women’s
In spite of the fact that equipment was scarce and a gymnasium wasn’t available at first, the organization progressed rapidly. The membership increased surprisingly during the first year, as the College of Arts and Sciences included many experienced athletic enthusiasts. Women’s Athletics at the University at Buffalo has continued to make great strides, such as the move to Division I sports, and the addition of several new women’s sports such as lacrosse, crew and softball, and others. Today, the UB Bulls embodies a pride that transcends gender differences as the University heads into the 21st century.
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University
at Buffalo
The State University of
New York
Last updated February 9, 2001
basketball
practice and hikes were held weekly, swimming was enjoyed during the winter
months at the Bennett high school pool, and tennis and baseball plans were
also made. In 1923-24 Mrs. Charles Lee became director of Physical education
and coach of girls athletics, and by 1925, the W.A.A. joined the Athletic
Council of American College Women.
