Jeannine McHaney Honored for Her Contributions to Women’s Athletics

National organization honors the woman at the heart of developing the women’s athletic program at Texas Tech.

Athletics

Written by Chris Cook

Jeannine McHaney Jeannine McHaney was a driving force behind women’s athletics at Texas Tech from 1966 until her death in 1994.

Jeannine McHaney, former athletics administration at Texas Tech, will be honored posthumously with the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Described as “the most influential figure in the development of the women’s athletic program at Texas Tech” by Director of Athletics Gerald Myers, McHaney passed away in 1994 after a decade-long fight with cancer.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators to athletics administrators who have dedicated their professional careers to advancing women in sport. The 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award luncheon is set for Oct. 8 during the NACWAA National Convention in Sacramento, Calif.

A native of northeast Arkansas, McHaney came to Texas Tech in 1966 as a physical education professor, director of women’s intramurals and coach for the volleyball team In 1975, the Texas Tech Women’s Athletics Department was established with McHaney serving as director. In addition to becoming the first woman inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Honor, McHaney also was named Texas Tech Woman of the Year in 1976 and president of the AIAW in 1977. She was the first recipient of the Jeannine McHaney High Rider Award and the Women’s Basketball Coaches of the Year Award in 1993.

“Any success in the past or future of women’s athletics at Texas Tech is a result of Jeannine McHaney,” former Lady Raider basketball player Noel Johnson said. “Her courage and leadership will forever be embedded in Texas Tech athletics.”

Jan 15, 2020