The Proven Power of Support in Carroll University Women's Athletics

Women’s athletics at Carroll University has come a long way in the past half-century, overcoming challenges and inequities to achieve a strong tradition of excellence. Today, Carroll’s women’s teams continue to thrive, bolstered by the support of alumni, fans, coaches and donors who recognize the importance of fostering athletic opportunities for female student-athletes.

Title IX: An Important Foundation
The 1975 Carroll women’s volleyball team grew extremely close as they needed to be their own best support system – along with their coaches – to compete in the sport they loved. This group was one of the first at Carroll to start to see the effects of Title IX and the first female volleyball athletes to be recipients of the Title IX athletic sports grant. Despite the newfound emphasis on valuing women’s sports in college, there was still a significant lack of funding to address, and the challenge of being trailblazers in athletics.

“At Carroll, we were grateful for the opportunity to not only participate in athletics, but to compete, learn teamwork, grow and excel,” said Sandy Cunningham, starter on the ’75 volleyball team. “We would do whatever we needed to keep that privilege and did not take it for granted.”

Unlike their male counterparts in athletics, the ’75 volleyball team had to get creative to sustain the program. Players themselves set up and stored equipment, raised money through bake sales to afford uniforms and travel and even drove themselves to competitions to cut costs. They would practice against men’s pick-up teams to improve their skills, and even advertised and solicited friends and classmates to cheer them on at games.
In some ways, the adversity created a stronger culture and bond among the group. In fact, the six starters from the ’75 team got together at Carroll’s Homecoming last fall, no doubt reminiscing about the blood, sweat and tears they put in, playing a huge role in kickstarting what women’s athletics has become over 50 years.

“I have great memories of those days, teammates and coaches,” Cunningham added, “Women’s athletics at Carroll and across the state and country have come a long way since 1975.”

Despite disparities back then—such as having to practice and compete in Ganfield while men’s teams used the better-equipped Van Male Field House—women’s athletics at Carroll persevered. Over time, these programs gained access to better facilities and resources, allowing them to compete at higher levels and attract more student-athletes.
 
The Growth of Women's Athletics at Carroll
The determination of past athletes laid the foundation for today’s success. Carroll’s women’s teams have captured 23 conference titles since 1996, with 11 coming between 2000 and 2009. The soccer program holds the record for the most women’s conference titles with six championships, including five in a span of just 10 years starting in 2002. Women’s golf dominated the conference from 2009 to 2012, winning four consecutive championships.

Meanwhile, the 2023-24 women’s basketball team had a record-setting season with a program record 23 wins, their highest-ever ranking in the country (13^th) and, for the first time in program history, winning the CCIW regular season conference championship and conference tournament in the same season.

These accomplishments highlight the talent and competitive spirit of Carroll’s female athletes, who continue to push boundaries and build upon the program’s rich history. One key to this success is the unwavering support from Carroll’s athletic department, alumni, and community. Events like the Toast to Pioneer Women, an annual fundraiser, are crucial in providing the resources needed for Carroll’s women’s teams to flourish.

Honoring a Trailblazer: The Jean Kilgour Endowment
Much of the progress in women’s athletics at Carroll can be credited to Pioneers like Jean Kilgour, who played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for female athletes. Kilgour, affectionately known as “Teach,” was a dedicated faculty member at Carroll for 43 years before retiring in 1969. She was a passionate advocate for women’s sports, a nationally rated basketball official for over three decades, and an accomplished athlete herself, excelling in track, golf, fencing, tennis and sailing.

In 1974, Kilgour established the Jean Kilgour Endowment for Women’s Athletics, which continues to provide funding for travel, equipment and uniforms. Her commitment to equity in sports earned her a place in the Carroll Athletic Hall of Fame and the honor of having a residence hall named after her. Each year, Carroll celebrates her legacy at the Toast to Pioneer Women, ensuring that future generations of female athletes have the resources they need to compete at the highest level.

Toast to Pioneer Women: Supporting the Next Generation
Carroll University’s athletic department hosted its eighth annual Toast to Pioneer Women in February. It’s always one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together alumni, parents, fans and supporters to celebrate the achievements of Carroll’s female athletes while raising funds for the Kilgour Endowment.

The event has been a critical component of Carroll’s women’s athletics as female sports across the country have seen unprecedented competition to recruit athletes, build programs and deliver sustained success.

Carroll Athletic Director Michael Schulist emphasizes the importance of this event, stating, “Having an opportunity to honor the great Jean ‘Teach’ Kilgour while celebrating our past and present women athletes is something I don’t take for granted. Carroll has a strong tradition of excellence in women’s sports, and this event provides the ability to create awareness around these accomplishments while also raising funds for the future of Carroll women’s athletics.”

Beyond Competition: The Lasting Impact of Athletics
The benefits of participating in collegiate athletics extend far beyond competition. Female athletes at Carroll University develop leadership skills, resilience and teamwork—qualities that serve them well throughout their lives. Many former athletes credit their success in their careers and personal lives to the lessons they learned on the court, field and track.

One recent example is former Carroll volleyball player Sam Derynda ‘12, who took her talent and court IQ into the coaching ranks. Derynda, who holds the Pioneers’ record for career assists (3,249), has carried the values instilled in her at Carroll into her coaching career at Catholic Memorial High School. In just her third year leading the program, she guided her team to the 2024 Wisconsin State Championship in November, mirroring her own experience as a player.

"One of the biggest positives that I walked away from Carroll with was my opportunity to excel and lead. Leadership is a trait that I encourage all of my athletes to possess in one way or another," Derynda said. "Carroll gave me the opportunity to expect more from myself as an athlete, expect more from myself as an individual, and have a family that allowed me to grow and become a leader."

Derynda won a state title at Catholic Memorial as a player in 2006 before competing at Carroll for four seasons. Clearly, she understands that success in sports is not just about talent but about building strong relationships, fostering teamwork and embracing a positive mindset – and she is using those experiences to develop the next generation of female athletes.

"As times continue to change, and opportunities for women continue to improve and get put in the spotlight more, it is important to continue teaching the younger athletes the importance of finding a way to be a leader in their own way."

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Carroll Women’s Athletics
With continued support from the Carroll community, the future of women’s athletics looks brighter than ever. Investments in facilities, scholarships and coaching ensure that female athletes have every opportunity to succeed. Events like Toast to Pioneer Women reinforce the importance of celebrating past achievements while actively working to support the next generation of pioneers.

Women’s sports at Carroll University are in a wonderful position, and while there is still progress to be made in achieving full equity, the dedication of athletes, alumni and supporters ensures that Carroll’s female athletes will continue to thrive. By honoring pioneers like Jean Kilgour and investing in today’s student-athletes, Carroll is solidifying its commitment to excellence in women’s athletics for years to come.

Through community support and ongoing investment, Carroll University’s female athletes will continue to break barriers, set records, and inspire future generations.