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While the 2020-2021 school year will look different for all universities across the nation, it holds special meaning for women's athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as they celebrate 50 years of women's athletics in the Wisconsin Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WWIAC) and later the WIAC.
Though there were Blugold teams prior to 1971, this was the first time that women's athletics had a governing body and started the organizational model that led to what we know today. Throughout the fall semester, the UW-Eau Claire Athletics Department will take a look at the history of Blugold Women's Athletics and share the stories of our women's programs and the people who made it all possible.
Each week will feature a Blugold women's sport as part of "Memorable Mondays" with the first week giving the overall history of women's athletics and note some of the key pioneers that led the way for future Blugolds. Follow the journey of the Blugold women through articles, photos and videos on Blugold Athletics social media.
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Nancy Hendricks
This fall the UW-Eau Claire Athletics Department told the stories of the Blugolds women's teams in celebration of 50 years competing in the conference. The successes of those programs and just a few of the many people who made an impact in developing women's athletics were highlighted. These athletes, coaches, and administrators, including Blugold pioneers Judy Kruckman, Sandy Schumacher, Mary Mero, Marilyn Skrivseth, Lisa Herb and Jenny Arneson, paved the way for current and future Blugolds. Their hard work and dedication helped build the department into what it is today, and they can take pride in knowing their legacy is in good hands.
While people like the pioneers were more visible on the front lines, there is one person that largely remained behind the scenes but was critical to the success of all Blugold athletic programs. That person is longtime program assistant, Nancy Hendricks.
Starting her career in 1977, Hendricks was the catalyst for the department and from then to her retirement in 2020 after 43 years of service, was always the "go-to" person for all coaches and administrative staff.
