Columbia Basin College Athletic Hall of Fame
Margaret Racy has seen the evolution of women’s athletics. Her contributions were formally recognized when she was inducted into the NWAACC Hall of Fame in 1989.
In 1957, Racy came to work as a part-time physical education teacher for CBC. At that time, women’s competitive sports were not sanctioned by the school, but that didn’t stop this pioneer from letting her female students compete. Before the passing of Title IX, Racy joined the Northwest College Women's Sports Association and the Association of Intercollegiate Athletic Women, neither of which was sanctioned by the Washington state community colleges.
It wasn’t until 1972 that women’s competitive athletic teams were recognized and supported in the United States; and it was another three years before she was paid for her coaching job. She eventually saw that equality in 1979, when women’s teams were finally recognized by the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges. Racy had to fight the system to get funding, recognition, and equality for women’s athletics. Through her dedication and determination, she was able to build the foundation for the women’s athletic programs we have today.
