NJCAA mourns the passing of Betty Jo Graber
Charlotte, NC – Betty Jo Graber, who was an influential leader in the association and helped pioneer the creation of the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975, died Sunday, January 15 at the age of 90. Graber is regarded as a true pioneer in women's collegiate athletics.
Graber was the NJCAA's Region 5 Women's Director and chaired the Association's women's basketball committee from its inception in 1975 until her retirement in 1991. In addition to her contributions on the NJCAA Board of Directors, Graber helped establish the NJCAA Women's Basketball Coaches Association and was a member of its inaugural hall of fame class in 1998. She was also a member of the national Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and was inducted into the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class.
Graber coached at Weatherford College for 35 years and achieved many accomplishments along the way including Weatherford College naming its gym facility the Betty Jo Crumm Graber Athletic Center in her honor. Throughout her career, Graber served as an assistant coach for the 1977 USA Junior Select Team, the 1978 National Junior Team, the 1979 World Championship and Pan American Teams, and the 1982 U.S. National Team. She also served as the team manager for the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the 1984 Olympics.
The NJCAA has recognized her dedication, service, and resilience and in 1992, in conjunction with the David Rowlands Award, named the Female Student-Athlete of the Year award in her honor. The award is given out annually to the top female student-athlete who exhibits these traits.
"The entire NJCAA family is saddened to hear of the passing of Betty Jo Graber," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "Graber paved the way for many female student-athletes, and we are forever grateful for the impact she has had on this association."
Graber was an influential woman who changed the world of sports, and her legacy will live on throughout the association.
