PLNU Athletics

Glenda Ritchie Holt was a modern day pioneer. She longed to participate in collegiate athletics, but was deprived of that opportunity because she selected PLC, which wasn’t supporting women’s sports at the time. So, as a student, she became involved and still gave in large measure to the athletic department.

“At a time when Pasadena College was making the transition to Point Loma, Holt worked in the sports information office to help establish the athletic program’s visibility in San Diego,” remembered Don Shaffer, a student colleague from her undergraduate days, “Her ability to work in this capacity wrapped around all of her other student responsibilities was incredible. She produced many first products around the sports information office while constantly exemplifying God’s Holy Spirit. Not once did I hear her complain although it would have been legitimate under the circumstances. Her dedication came from the heart and was done to serve others.”

The modern beginning of women’s sports at PLNU was carried by several people, and an administration under the leadership of Dr. James Jackson, dean of students. Jackson was willing to support the concept and context of Title IX at its inception. Knowing it was the right thing to do, the rebirth of women’s athletics suddenly began at PLC with seven sports in one year. Going from zero to seven is a powerful task. It could not have happened without certain people.

The main heroine of the effort was Holt. During the initial four-year period of time she coached several sports, including basketball, gymnastics, softball and volleyball. We have had many men and women coaches, but no one has carried as big a load as Holt.

A good illustration of Holt’s hard work was when her softball team earned the right to compete in the AIAW’s Regional in Chico, CA. Not only did she carry the coaching responsibilities without an assistant, but she drove the old bus affectionately called “Stubby” all the way, both directions—650 miles one way.

Even as a student, when women’s sports were not so popular, scholarships were meager and crunch time for facilities was very tough, Ritchie was able to help Point Loma College enter the field of women’s athletics respectably with her great dedication.

Ritchie eventually moved to Houston, TX with husband Jack, also a PLNC grad. Their son Justin also attended PLNU and their daughter Keri attended Southern Nazarene University.

The award for the Honorary Category was presented to Holt by Bob Brower.