With the recommendation of her high school principle, Rhodes alumna Jane Walters ’56, and a meeting with legendary professor of economics, Ralph Hon, Laurie Laughlin Neale decided to enroll at Rhodes. In doing so, she not only made Rhodes her home for four years, she also put the Lynx tennis program on the map.
Laurie quickly established herself as one of the best collegiate tennis players in the country. A four-year qualifier to the national tournament, she placed second in the NCAA Division III Singles Championships in 1983 and 1984, becoming the first woman tennis player in Rhodes history to be a finalist in the national tournament. Laurie was a member of the 1985 tennis team, the first team to qualify for post-season team competition. She also won the Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Conference singles title each of her four years at Rhodes.
Her involvement in campus life went beyond the tennis courts. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and received the Tri Delta Alliance award. She was also a member of Mortar Board and Panhellenic Council, and served as the Student Government Athletic Commissioner. An International Studies major, Laurie went on to receive her law degree from the University of Memphis.
Laurie Laughlin embodies all the attributes of the true student-athlete. A winner on the tennis court and in the classroom, she was an inspiring example for her peers. In recognition of her scholarship and outstanding Rhodes tennis career, we are pleased to induct LAURIE LAUGHLIN NEALE into the Athletic Hall of Fame this 26th day of October, 2001.
