Newsmakers honors 50th anniversary of Missouri Southern women's athletics

(From KGCS)

In 1974, many colleges and universities did not have sports for women. But five females who wanted to play basketball convinced Sallie Beard to start a team at then Missouri Southern State College. That would change the trajectory of her career and create a multitude of opportunities for lady lions. The 50th anniversary of that first year of sports and its ongoing impact are the focus of the next Newsmakers program.

Former coach and the college’s first female athletic director Sallie Beard reflects with athlete Terrie Dresh about the early days of women’s sports at Missouri Southern. Former coaches Pat Lipira and Patty Vavra discuss winning seasons and the changes that came with time and under Beard’s leadership. 

They also share details of an upcoming reunion weekend, January 24 & 25, 2025 that includes recognition at halftime during the Saturday basketball game. Current softball coach Hallie Blackney and player Emily Perry also share thoughts on the impact today of the strong leaders that came before them.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of December 15 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, December 21 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS - Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet in Carthage. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.