Louise Stratmann is a member of the first graduating class after the college’s move to Memphis and a true pioneer. With the encouragement of her mentor, Dean of Women and Latin instructor Margaret Townsend, Louise helped establish the College’s first women’s basketball team.
Louise organized a group of players known as the “Kittens” and served as captain and business manager of the team for three years. In 1927 she also organized a women’s baseball team on campus.
A versatile athlete during her undergraduate years, in 1927 she won the college horseshoe contest. She also taught women’s physical education classes while she was a student, and after graduating, became the first Director of Women’s Physical Education, a position she held until 1944.
A winner of the Memphis Free Throw Championship for three consecutive years, Louise Stratmann is a member of the Memphis Park Commission’s Hall of Fame. Now retired, she continues to make her home in Memphis.
In recognition of an athlete whose legacy and spirit endures to this day, we are honored to induct LOUISE STRATMANN into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 20th day of October, 2000.
