Lynn Imergoot, longtime athletics staffer, dies in car accident

University loses pioneer in women's athletics

| Managing Editor

The Washington University athletics department lost one of its mainstays on July 24 when Lynn Imergoot lost control of her car outside of New York City and struck a tree. She was 60 years old.

“I’ll remember her as a wonderful teacher, coach, administrator, mother, friend, and valued member of the Washington University community,” Athletic Director John Schael said.

Imergoot, most recently the associate director of club and intramural sports, started work at Wash. U. in 1973 as the director of women’s and co-ed intramurals, a post she held until 1979. She also served in the administration as coordinator for women’s athletics from 1977-84 and assistant athletic director from 1984-2005.

In addition to all of her work behind a desk, Imergoot will be most remembered as the first and longtime coach of the Wash. U. women’s tennis team, a post she held from 1975-2005. During her 30-year tenure as coach, the Bears compiled a record of 435-164 (.726) and made seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Six players also earned seven All-America distinctions during her tenure.

“Establishing and coaching the initial women’s tennis program was a great accomplishment for Lynn as there were few opportunities for women’s participation in intercollegiate athletics.  She was, in a sense, a pioneer and indeed strong advocate for the advancement of women’s athletics on the Danforth Campus and was proud of Washington University’s commitment to enhanced opportunities for women in sport,” Schael added.

In addition to starting the women’s tennis program, Imergoot also helped Schael and the rest of the athletic department introduce cross country, indoor track, basketball, soccer, softball and golf as women’s varsity programs. Wash. U. now has one more women’s varsity program than men’s program with the addition of women’s golf in 2008.

The accident occurred while Imergoot was driving from a summer sports camp to a scheduled dentist appointment.

She is survived by her son Douglas, 31, daughter Jennifer, 28, and sister Amy Kossak. The funeral was Monday in Livingston, N.J., and she was buried in nearby Deans, N.J.

A memorial service will occur on campus next month.

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