Smith College Athletics

A true three-sport standout, Jean Tomlinson Holdsworth exemplified athletic excellence and leadership during her time at Smith. A member of the Class of 1952, Jean was a dominant presence in lacrosse, field hockey, and basketball, earning 1st team honors every year she competed—an extraordinary achievement in an era before widespread collegiate recognition for women’s athletics.

In lacrosse, Jean was selected to the Class of 1952’s 1st team all four years and was named to the All-Smith Lacrosse Team as a sophomore, junior and senior—an honor not open to first-year students. On the field hockey field, she was a key contributor throughout her college career, earning All-Smith Field Hockey Team honors in 1951 and 1952, and captaining the team as a senior. Her leadership helped guide the 1st team to undefeated seasons in both her junior and senior years, while the entire Class of 1952 field hockey squad went undefeated in their sophomore season.

On the basketball court, Jean was the star forward and selected to the All-Smith Basketball Team from 1950 to 1952, anchoring her class's team for four straight years.

Beyond athletic performance, Jean served her peers with distinction as the Athletic Association House Representative, student lacrosse manager, and head of basketball, roles that reflected her strong leadership abilities.