Highly regarded in the world of Bates athletics, Marsha Graef is best known nationally for her remarkable record as head coach of the varsity volleyball team. Marsha coached volleyball at Bates for 14 years and was recognized as one of a handful of DIII volleyball coaches to have earned over 400 wins in her career, with an overall record of 416-144. Her career winning percentage in women's volleyball of .743 ranks among the top 25 in NCAA Division III history.
Marsha arrived at Bates from Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri, in the fall of 1985 as the new head coach of Bates' women’s volleyball and basketball teams, and assistant coach in women’s lacrosse. She graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1976, where she was a four-year varsity starter for the women’s basketball team and played field hockey and softball as well. She earned a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University and had extensive teaching and coaching experience in public schools throughout the Midwest.
Under Marsha's leadership, the Bobcats once tallied 51 straight wins, and her 1993 team marked the first victory by a NESCAC school in the NCAA Division III national tournament, en route to making it to the Sweet 16. Marsha’s teams also won two ECAC Championships, one runner-up finish, and three NESCAC titles. Marsha was honored by her peers with three New England Women’s Volleyball Association Coach of the Year awards and one AVCA National Coach of the Year Award, in 1990.
In 1998, Marsha moved from coaching into the administrative position of coordinator of physical education and club sports. A certified strength coach, she was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Davis Fitness Center. Marsha became assistant athletic director and Bates Athletics' senior woman administrator, as well as the assistant director for physical education, club sports, intramural sports, and recreation, and an associate professor of physical education. She served on countless student/faculty committees and as an adviser for first-year students.
In fact, since she came to Bates, Marsha has always been singularly focused on helping Bates students have an outstanding collegiate athletic experience. Whether it was coaching varsity sports or serving as an advisor to club teams, developing the intramural program, or overseeing the physical education program, Marsha has always put the student first. In her multiple roles she has interacted with, mentored, and inspired countless Bates students -- varsity athletes, club athletes, and non-athletes alike. No one has done more for our students of the last two and a half decades.
Marsha is also one of the Bobcats’ biggest fans, staunchest supporters, and most unwavering advocates. When she isn’t literally at the game, she is constantly checking scores or watching webcasts. She is the first to congratulate individuals and teams on their successes and the first to encourage folks after set-backs. She has welcomed and mentored countless new coaches. She has been a friend to athletic department staff and to all of our student-athletes in word and deed.
In recent years, Marsha’s service to the department has centered less on varsity athletics and more on our club, recreational, and physical education programs. By so admirably handling all the day-to-day details of these important departmental functions, she has freed coaches to spend their time doing what they love most -- coaching their teams. Much of what Marsha does she does with little recognition. Few of us even know all of the tasks and responsibilities she carries. But Marsha has never sought recognition or even thanks for this work. Rather, she takes pleasure in knowing that she has had a part in helping the department be the best it can be. She is a remarkable teammate to all of us and for her dedication, perseverance and enthusiastic support of Bates College, and for her devotion, leadership and courage, we are proud to honor Marsha Graef as we induct her into the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society. |
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