Mary Ann Hitchens (1999) - Hall of Fame - University of Delaware Athletics

Mary Ann Hitchens

Induction:
1999
Class:
1967

MARY ANN HITCHENS
Women’s Basketball Head Coach (1969-78)
Field Hockey Head Coach (1973-88)
Assistant/Associate/Sr. Associate Director of Athletics (1977-2006)

A pioneer in the growth of the University of Delaware’s women’s athletics program, Hitchens enjoyed great success as an athlete and coach and continued to gain notice as a nationally-respected administrator. She dedicated over 40 years of service to the University.

Hitchens is a native of Milford, Del. who came to UD as a student in 1963, when intercollegiate athletics opportunities for women did not exist. She received undergraduate (1967) and graduate (1971) degrees from UD, and went on to enjoy outstanding success as head coach of the women's basketball and field hockey teams. She has spent 29 years as an athletics administrator, the last eight in her position as senior associate director, and served as senior women's administrator from 1977 until her retirement in 2006.

She posted a record of 71-35 with six post-season appearances in basketball and recorded a 16-year mark of 196-76-30 in field hockey that included six national playoff appearances, including a second place AIAW national finish in 1978. During her tenure, she coached nine All-Americans and was East Coast Conference Coach of the Year four times.

Hitchens served two terms as president of the America East Conference from 1992-94 and was the first woman to hold that post. She was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame in 1997.

As senior associate director, Hitchens coordinated administrative operations and personnel for athletics and recreation services as well as summer sports camps. In 1995, she helped coordinate the 25th anniversary celebration of women's athletics at UD and received the E. Arthur Trabant Award for Women's Equity.

In 2000, Hitchens was presented with the ECAC's Katherine Ley Award, which honors a women's athletics administrator who is a strong proponent of opportunities for women's athletics, a strong leader, and a role model for women coaches and administrators.