University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Virginia Peters had a greater impact on UCO women’s athletics than perhaps any other female, first as a competitor and then as a coach and administrator.

Peters participated in basketball, field hockey, swimming and volleyball four straight years, earning the Outstanding Freshman Woman Athlete award in 1954 and the Outstanding Senior Woman Athlete honor in 1957.

She started her coaching career at Central in 1958 and directed the basketball, field hockey, track and field, volleyball and men’s and women’s fencing teams during a career that lasted until 1980. At individual sports days, she also coached archery, badminton, softball, swimming and tennis.

Peters served as Coordinator of Women’s Intercollegiate Sports and Director of Women’s Athletics from 1958-80 while also directing the Women’s Intramural Sports Program for 20 years. She was active on several regional and national committees throughout her career.