Smith College Athletics

Thomas C. Mendenhall’s presidency at Smith College from 1959-1975 had a significant impact on the national recognition of the importance of women’s athletics by providing opportunities for women to participate in sports. Upon his arrival at Smith, Mendenhall was confronted by the upheaval of the Civil Rights era. At Smith the early feminist movement and the “sexual revolution” was particularly prevalent. The backlash that he felt during his tenure did not stop him from changing the mandate that prohibited intercollegiate sport in the gymnasium and on the fields. He went on to initiate improvements to the athletic facilities such as the construction of Ainsworth Gymnasium and new physical education and recreation facilities.  In this way, he served as a leader for other college presidents who began putting more value into women’s sports and athletics with improvements to the athletic facilities at their respective institutions. Mendenhall had a special interest in crew and served as an informal coach for the Smith rowing team. He was responsible for having the first racing shell donated and ensured that Smith competed at the Head of the Charles starting in 1974. Mendenhall retired in 1975 and passed two decades later in 1998, but his contributions to Smith’s athletic programs are still felt today.