Smith College Athletics

Dorothy Ainsworth ‘16 worked both nationally and internationally in the name of female health and physical education. During her time as a physical education instructor and eventually physical education director at Smith, she significantly expanded sports, facilities, and the overall enthusiasm and student participation within the physical education realm. Working at Smith from 1926-1960, Ainsworth increased the number of sports offered from six to 14, while helping to make additions to facilities. Field hockey and soccer fields, new riding stables, 26 tennis courts, and crew shells were just some of the new additions to Smith’s athletic offerings.  Ainsworth also initiated a graduate course for the training of physical education instructors.  So great were her contributions, that when the college expanded the Scott facility in 1977, the new addition was named in her honor.