Former ISU women’s athletics pioneer Mabry passes away at 86

Posted on October 20, 2015

Former Illinois State athletic director Laurie Mabry passed away Friday at the age of 86. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By Terry James

NORMAL – A champion for women in sports has passed away at the age of 86.

Laurie Mabry had served as Director of Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics at Illinois State University from 1960 to 1980. Former ISU women’s basketball coach Jill Hutchison was hired by Mabry.

“She felt very strongly about equality for females, especially in the sports world, but it went even beyond that,” Hutchison said. “She was very, very passionate about providing those opportunities for the next generation.”

Hutchison told WJBC’s Dan Swaney that Mabry testified in front of congress in support of Title IX, which was a major milestone in terms of equality for female athletes.

Mabry worked at ISU from 1960 to 1985.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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