Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State Athletics Hall of Fame
O'Connor, Dr. Nancy
Dr. Nancy O'Connor
- Induction:
- 1992
Director of Women’s Athletics (1975 to 1986)
Head Coach – Women’s Swimming and Diving (1964 to 1977)
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Dr. Nancy O’Connor is a pioneer of women’s athletics at Colorado State University and championship swimming coach who placed CSU in the forefront of women’s sports. O’Connor, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, came to Colorado State University in 1964 and established the school’s first women’s swimming and diving team. From 1964 to 1977, she amassed a 118-4 record in dual meets, winning seven regional championships and finishing in the top 10 nationally five different times. Five of her athletes set national records in women’s swimming. In 1975, Dr. O’Connor became the director of women’s athletics and worked with Fum McGraw until the department brought all athletics under one director.
While she was the director of women’s athletics, Dr. O’Connor oversaw the establishment of the varsity women’s programs established through Title IX. Under her direction, women’s basketball, volleyball, softball and lacrosse were created. CSU entered into the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and the High Country Athletic Conference under her guidance, the first women’s athletic conferences in school history. Dr. O’Connor retied from CSU in 1991 to her home in Fort Collins. Dr. O’Connor passed away on October 25, 2019 at the age of 85.
Other Accomplishments:
Head Coach – Women’s Swimming and Diving (1964 to 1977)
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Dr. Nancy O’Connor is a pioneer of women’s athletics at Colorado State University and championship swimming coach who placed CSU in the forefront of women’s sports. O’Connor, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, came to Colorado State University in 1964 and established the school’s first women’s swimming and diving team. From 1964 to 1977, she amassed a 118-4 record in dual meets, winning seven regional championships and finishing in the top 10 nationally five different times. Five of her athletes set national records in women’s swimming. In 1975, Dr. O’Connor became the director of women’s athletics and worked with Fum McGraw until the department brought all athletics under one director.
While she was the director of women’s athletics, Dr. O’Connor oversaw the establishment of the varsity women’s programs established through Title IX. Under her direction, women’s basketball, volleyball, softball and lacrosse were created. CSU entered into the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and the High Country Athletic Conference under her guidance, the first women’s athletic conferences in school history. Dr. O’Connor retied from CSU in 1991 to her home in Fort Collins. Dr. O’Connor passed away on October 25, 2019 at the age of 85.
Other Accomplishments:
- Coached the 1970 and 1971 swimming teams to third-place finishes nationally
- 1977 member of US Swimming and Diving team
- President of AIAW Swimming and Diving Committee
- Member of the Collegiate Sports Council
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