Bio

As Director of Athletics and Department Chair from 1990-2006, Louise O'Neal was instrumental in building and turning Wellesley Athletics into what it is today. She oversaw enormous growth and success of the athletics programs and was responsible for the construction of a state of the art outdoor fields complex and the addition of the sports of golf and softball. Wellesley made 16 NCAA Championship appearances during her tenure, with both the field hockey and volleyball teams advancing to the NCAA Final Four.

There are four areas that come to mind when I think of my 16 years at Wellesley College. The first is my first meeting with Nan Keohane, then president of Wellesley College. President Keohane made it very clear what she felt my mission would be as head of the department. She wanted to win, but in the right way. She felt that successful athletic teams would bring excitement and vitality to campus.

The second was the collaborative working relationship with Dean Nancy Kolodny and the faculty. We developed and established a performance review process for coaches that mirrored the faculty process. This established an environment in which coaches felt a sense of security as well as a process for promotion. I also enjoyed watching coaches and faculty develop a sense of respect for each other as they learned from one another.

The third was the chance to play a role in the planning and creation of new facilities, and the addition of two new programs in the area of athletics. During my tenure, we developed a state-of-the-art outdoor field complex and added both golf and softball.

Lastly, I remember the Wellesley traditions and the integration of the campus and its students into important external events, such as the Boston Marathon. Each spring I would look forward to “Wellesley Day,” when the teams would wear their uniforms and carry banners recognizing their teams. I can recall several years that we enjoyed a luncheon where at least seven top athletes, participants in the Boston Marathon, came and shared their personal stories. I believe this was an inspirational and rewarding experience for our young women.

My reflections as I look back at my time at Wellesley College are all centered on the ability of all people—students, faculty and coaches—to work together, to learn from each other, and at the same time, co-exist and prosper.