(2010) - One of the pioneers of women's athletics at Lowell State College and the University of Lowell, Denise Legault served the University for 33 years as a professor, administrator, coach and regional athletics representative.
An associate professor from 1969-91, Ms. Legault was named the coordinator of women's athletics by LSC Director of Athletics Dr. James Ciszek in 1972. She and Professor Claire Chamberlain developed the first athletic programs for women: tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball and field hockey, all of which went on to become regionally and nationally renowned programs.
Ms. Legault not only served as a coach and professor, she also helped found the Massachusetts Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (MAIAW), the state branch of the regional and national organizations EAIAW and AIAW.
At a time when the NCAA had yet to establish and recognize women's athletics, Ms. Legault was instrumental in organizing postseason championships on the state and regional levels. Along with Professor Chamberlain, she helped organize the inaugural Division II-III state women's basketball championship in 1977 at Mahoney Gymnasium.
As a head coach, Ms. Legault made her mark with the softball team for 15 years and the volleyball team for five years. During the Lowell State and ULowell years, she guided the softball team to a 141-74-1 record (.653) and led the team to the MAIAW Tournament five straight years.
In only her fifth season at Lowell State, Ms. Legault guided the Indians to a 16-0 record in the regular season and to the MAIAW Tournament final. The 1983 season was special in particular as Ms. Legault led ULowell to the EAIAW Division II Region Championship with a 22-7 record.
Ms. Legault also had success with the volleyball team, which she founded as a club program and coached as a varsity sport for its first four years. The team struggled initially but posted an 11-6 record in 1977.
Ms. Legault retired from coaching in 1985 and served as assistant director of athletics and later associate director of athletics until her retirement in 2002. She oversaw the sports of softball, field hockey, men's and women's soccer, swimming, men and women's tennis and wrestling.
Additionally, Ms. Legault was UMass Lowell's Primary Women's Administrator for the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC), the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) as well as the NCAA for more than 10 years. She oversaw softball scheduling for the NECC and served on several committees.
Ms. Legault was a member of the NCAA Northeast Region rankings and tournament selection committees for more than 15 years.
Ms. Legault volunteers for the American Cancer Society, serving as a driver for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. She also volunteered at the Exeter (N.H.) Senior Center for five years with the Meals-On-Wheels program.
