She has been a woman ahead of her time. Again, and again. 

Becky Sisley’s (b. May 10, 1939) legacy as athlete, coach, official, administrator, and advocate stretch across multiple states and seven decades. 

The Seattle native was a multi-sport athlete at a time when opportunities were few for girls in competitive sports. She played field hockey, basketball and was good enough at softball to play for the legendary Erv Lind Florist National Championship team in 1964.

After graduating from the University of Washington in 1961, she pursued opportunities at college with prominent physical educators.  She came to the University of Oregon in 1965 as a PE instructor and coach. Her career would advance becoming full professor and, in 1973, the school’s first women’s athletic director. Sisley also held other leadership roles in women’s sports including the AIAW, the precursor to the NCAA for women’s championships.

Title IX began a new era for women’s collegiate sports, but progress did not come fast enough. Oregon’s women’s teams were successful, full-time coaches were hired. Oregon was an early adaptor of coed track meets.  Frustrated at lack funds and facilities, Becky resigned as AD in 1979 and focused on teaching and advocacy. Her efforts to advance women’s sports never ceased.

In 1987 she founded the Oregon Women’s Sports Leadership Network. Sisley also gained status as an official and administrator in field hockey and track and field. She has literally written the book on how to stage a track meet.

In 1988 she found herself back in competition at age 49 as a masters athlete. Becky had played field hockey and softball in her early years, but track and field opened new doors in her life.  Competing in high jump, long jump, triple jump, and javelin she would excel, setting nine American and three World age group records. Masters track also took Sisley around the world, traveling to international events in Spain, Finland, and South Africa among others.

Even after retiring as a professor in 2000, she continued to teach a Women’s Sports and Gender Equity course for many more years.  The U of O now recognizes former female athletes every year with Becky Sisley Award.

Now retired from competition and officiating and with a new puppy in the house, she continues to lead and mentor in so many ways.

Notable honors:

1981 Northwest Sports Foundation Hall of Fame

1981 Honor Award, NW District Assoc. for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

1995 Honor Award, National Association for Girls and Women in Sports

1996 Distinguished Alumni Award, School of Health and Human Performance

1998 U of Oregon, Athletic Hall of Fame

2018 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award