Want to know why all of you young players
have the opportunities? ...
listen to my mentor Dr. Kahrs telling you her story!
induction in the Illinois Hall of Fame
Want to know why all of you young players
have the opportunities? ...
listen to my mentor Dr. Kahrs telling you her story!
interviewed May 11, 2014
Click on photo to listen to entire interview!
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Long-time University of Illinois athletics administrator and the woman responsible for creating and developing the UI's women's intercollegiate athletics program, Dr. Karol Kahrs, passed away late Sunday (Nov. 1, 2020) at Westminster Village Health Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. A member of the inaugural Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class in 2017, Dr. Kahrs was 80 years old at the time of her death.
"Dr. Karol Kahrs was a pioneer and transformational leader in establishing and developing women's collegiate athletics at the University of Illinois, in the Big Ten Conference, and nationally," Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Dr. Kahrs's contributions to the Fighting Illini cannot be overstated — as an administrator, mentor, role model, and leader for thousands of student-athletes who wore the Orange and Blue. She remained in contact with many of the coaches, staff members, and student-athletes who competed during her time on campus until the very end of her life. She will be missed by many, but her legacy will stand forever in the incredible opportunities offered to female student-athletes past, present, and future."
Karol Kahrs and Josh Whitman, Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony - 2017Born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 12, 1940 to D. Fred and Betty P. Kahrs, Dr. Kahrs spent much of her youth in the Atlanta, Georgia, area and graduated from North Fulton High School in Atlanta, excelling in her classwork as well as earning most valuable player awards in many sports. She attended the University of Georgia, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1958. After graduation, she taught for three years at O'Keefe High School in Atlanta. Always with high aspirations, Dr. Kahrs graduated from Ohio State University with a Master of Arts degree in Education in 1965 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physical Education specializing in Curriculum and Foundations and Professional Preparation in 1972.
Dr. Kahrs began her career at Illinois in 1966 as an instructor in the College of Physical Education and spent many years coaching women's sports. In 1974, she moved to the UI Athletics Department to develop the University's women's intercollegiate athletics program as Title IX helped lead to changes in women's sports nationally. At Illinois, Dr. Kahrs was promoted to associate athletics director and senior woman administrator.
"Dr. Kahrs was a fantastic leader and pioneer for women's athletics," said Jill Ellis, two-time Women's World Cup and former Illinois soccer coach. "I was so fortunate she recruited me to the University of Illinois and gave me my first head coaching position. She cared greatly about the coaches and student athletes, and I know I am one of many who appreciated and benefited from her mentorship."
Under Dr. Kahrs's direction and leadership, Illinois was one of the first institutions to be reviewed by the Office of Civil Rights and found to be in compliance with Title IX guidelines in 1981. She retired from the University in 2000 after 36 years of service, including 30 years in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.
"Dr. Karol Kahrs was a strong leader for college athletics, an advocate for women's opportunities and a loyal friend to so many in her career and life," said Joni Comstock, Senior Vice President of Championships and Alliances, and former UI athletics administrator herself. "Karol was so proud of the University of Illinois and the student-athletes and coaches she worked with over her 36-year tenure. Personally, Karol opened the door to a career in college athletics that truly changed my life. I owe a great deal of my professional life and successes to Karol. And I am so grateful for the loyal friend and colleague she was to me."
During Dr. Kahrs's distinguished career, she served as President of the National Association of College Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) in 1998-99, and she was a member of numerous committees of the NCAA. She also proudly served on the Executive Board of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), which coordinated championship events for women's athletic programs prior to the NCAA.
Dr. Kahrs served as the first chairperson of the Big Ten Women's Athletic Administrators from 1974-76, and was a member of the committee that submitted the initial proposal to add women's athletics to the conference in 1981. In 2014, Dr. Kahrs was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by NACWAA, awarded to administrators who have dedicated their professional careers to advancing women in sport. She is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame (2006).
"I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Kahrs and I'm thankful for the impact she has had on my life and the lives of so many other Illini athletes," said Mary Eggers Tendler, former Illini volleyball All-American and Illinois Athletics Hall of Famer. "She fought hard for the equality of women's sports at Illinois very early on and was instrumental in so many championships. I will miss her and my heart goes out to all her loved ones."
Karol Kahrs and Mary Eggers Tendler, Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Gala - 2017Dr. Kahrs was the youngest of two children with one older sister, the late Dorothy K. Williams (Dalas Williams, deceased). She is survived by three nephews, Deryl Williams (Ginnie), Dwayne Williams (Layton) and Dallas Williams (Jackie), and a cousin, Rae VanHouten. She was also preceded in death by a niece, Desire Williams.
"For much of my life Karol was like extended family to me," said former Illini volleyball coach Don Hardin. "A guardian mentor figure who made it clear that she would always be there for me if needed. Many people don't understand the credit that she deserves for the building of women's sports traditions at the University of Illinois and on the national front. Her early leadership paved the way for the sport of women's volleyball to move from a West Coast sport to one of national recognition. She was an amazing soldier for women's athletics, but she was so much more than that. Karol dedicated her life to enhancing the meaning which sport brings to all of our lives."
In her leisure time, Dr. Kahrs was an avid golfer and loved fishing. She also took great pleasure in her canine companions, most recently Coco, her beloved little dog who was always at her side over the last few years. Upon retirement, Dr. Kahrs moved to Brevard, North Carolina, to enjoy more of the outdoors and learned fly fishing near her home in the mountains. Dr. Kahrs was an associate in Executive Planners of North Carolina, owned by Janet Metzinger, a dear friend. When not working in the business, they traveled, played golf courses around Brevard and joined friends for community activities and events.
"Dr. Karol Kahrs was a true pioneer as she helped pave the way for the advancement of women's college athletics," said Illinois women's golf coach and former All-American Renee Heiken Slone. "Her forward thinking provided a wealth of opportunities to female athletes for the past 50 years. From creating and developing the Illinois women's athletics program to formulating the initial proposal to add women's athletics to the Big Ten Conference, she dedicated her life to advancing women in sports. Female University of Illinois, Big Ten and NCAA student-athletes owe her a debt of gratitude for opening the door to opportunities that had not existed previously.
"Although her contributions to women's athletics are profound and significant and accolades too numerous to count, I will always remember how much she cared," Slone continued. "One year at the Big Ten Championship we played in an absolute downpour and during a rain delay there she was helping me dry my clubs. It was so important to her that we had what we needed to be successful and at that moment that meant having our clubs ready when play resumed. Then just a few weeks later she left Washington, D.C. during the middle of a conference to come watch me play at the NCAA Championship. She had a presence about her; something you could just feel and you never wanted to let her down. Not only was she dedicated to her student-athletes but also to this institution. Her loyalty to the University of Illinois ran deep and she would often say, "I bleed Orange and Blue."
Karol Kahrs and Renee Slone, Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony - 2017"Hanging in my office is a poster Dr. Kahrs gave me when I was named the women's golf coach here at Illinois. It reads "Possibilities – The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." She certainly lived that! The Illini have lost a legend but her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come."
There will be private services and gatherings in Champaign and West Lafayette and a public memorial celebration of Dr. Kahrs's life in Champaign next summer when conditions are safe for gatherings. Dr. Kahrs will be interred at the Mt. Hope cemetery in Champaign.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics in support of women's athletic programs in her name by check sent to:
"Dr. Karol Kahrs was a pioneer and transformational leader in establishing and developing women's collegiate athletics at the University of Illinois, in the Big Ten Conference, and nationally," Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Dr. Kahrs's contributions to the Fighting Illini cannot be overstated — as an administrator, mentor, role model, and leader for thousands of student-athletes who wore the Orange and Blue. She remained in contact with many of the coaches, staff members, and student-athletes who competed during her time on campus until the very end of her life. She will be missed by many, but her legacy will stand forever in the incredible opportunities offered to female student-athletes past, present, and future."
Karol Kahrs and Josh Whitman, Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony - 2017Born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 12, 1940 to D. Fred and Betty P. Kahrs, Dr. Kahrs spent much of her youth in the Atlanta, Georgia, area and graduated from North Fulton High School in Atlanta, excelling in her classwork as well as earning most valuable player awards in many sports. She attended the University of Georgia, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1958. After graduation, she taught for three years at O'Keefe High School in Atlanta. Always with high aspirations, Dr. Kahrs graduated from Ohio State University with a Master of Arts degree in Education in 1965 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physical Education specializing in Curriculum and Foundations and Professional Preparation in 1972.
Dr. Kahrs began her career at Illinois in 1966 as an instructor in the College of Physical Education and spent many years coaching women's sports. In 1974, she moved to the UI Athletics Department to develop the University's women's intercollegiate athletics program as Title IX helped lead to changes in women's sports nationally. At Illinois, Dr. Kahrs was promoted to associate athletics director and senior woman administrator.
"Dr. Kahrs was a fantastic leader and pioneer for women's athletics," said Jill Ellis, two-time Women's World Cup and former Illinois soccer coach. "I was so fortunate she recruited me to the University of Illinois and gave me my first head coaching position. She cared greatly about the coaches and student athletes, and I know I am one of many who appreciated and benefited from her mentorship."
Under Dr. Kahrs's direction and leadership, Illinois was one of the first institutions to be reviewed by the Office of Civil Rights and found to be in compliance with Title IX guidelines in 1981. She retired from the University in 2000 after 36 years of service, including 30 years in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.
"Dr. Karol Kahrs was a strong leader for college athletics, an advocate for women's opportunities and a loyal friend to so many in her career and life," said Joni Comstock, Senior Vice President of Championships and Alliances, and former UI athletics administrator herself. "Karol was so proud of the University of Illinois and the student-athletes and coaches she worked with over her 36-year tenure. Personally, Karol opened the door to a career in college athletics that truly changed my life. I owe a great deal of my professional life and successes to Karol. And I am so grateful for the loyal friend and colleague she was to me."
During Dr. Kahrs's distinguished career, she served as President of the National Association of College Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) in 1998-99, and she was a member of numerous committees of the NCAA. She also proudly served on the Executive Board of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), which coordinated championship events for women's athletic programs prior to the NCAA.
Dr. Kahrs served as the first chairperson of the Big Ten Women's Athletic Administrators from 1974-76, and was a member of the committee that submitted the initial proposal to add women's athletics to the conference in 1981. In 2014, Dr. Kahrs was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by NACWAA, awarded to administrators who have dedicated their professional careers to advancing women in sport. She is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame (2006).
"I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Kahrs and I'm thankful for the impact she has had on my life and the lives of so many other Illini athletes," said Mary Eggers Tendler, former Illini volleyball All-American and Illinois Athletics Hall of Famer. "She fought hard for the equality of women's sports at Illinois very early on and was instrumental in so many championships. I will miss her and my heart goes out to all her loved ones."
Karol Kahrs and Mary Eggers Tendler, Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Gala - 2017Dr. Kahrs was the youngest of two children with one older sister, the late Dorothy K. Williams (Dalas Williams, deceased). She is survived by three nephews, Deryl Williams (Ginnie), Dwayne Williams (Layton) and Dallas Williams (Jackie), and a cousin, Rae VanHouten. She was also preceded in death by a niece, Desire Williams.
"For much of my life Karol was like extended family to me," said former Illini volleyball coach Don Hardin. "A guardian mentor figure who made it clear that she would always be there for me if needed. Many people don't understand the credit that she deserves for the building of women's sports traditions at the University of Illinois and on the national front. Her early leadership paved the way for the sport of women's volleyball to move from a West Coast sport to one of national recognition. She was an amazing soldier for women's athletics, but she was so much more than that. Karol dedicated her life to enhancing the meaning which sport brings to all of our lives."
In her leisure time, Dr. Kahrs was an avid golfer and loved fishing. She also took great pleasure in her canine companions, most recently Coco, her beloved little dog who was always at her side over the last few years. Upon retirement, Dr. Kahrs moved to Brevard, North Carolina, to enjoy more of the outdoors and learned fly fishing near her home in the mountains. Dr. Kahrs was an associate in Executive Planners of North Carolina, owned by Janet Metzinger, a dear friend. When not working in the business, they traveled, played golf courses around Brevard and joined friends for community activities and events.
"Dr. Karol Kahrs was a true pioneer as she helped pave the way for the advancement of women's college athletics," said Illinois women's golf coach and former All-American Renee Heiken Slone. "Her forward thinking provided a wealth of opportunities to female athletes for the past 50 years. From creating and developing the Illinois women's athletics program to formulating the initial proposal to add women's athletics to the Big Ten Conference, she dedicated her life to advancing women in sports. Female University of Illinois, Big Ten and NCAA student-athletes owe her a debt of gratitude for opening the door to opportunities that had not existed previously.
"Although her contributions to women's athletics are profound and significant and accolades too numerous to count, I will always remember how much she cared," Slone continued. "One year at the Big Ten Championship we played in an absolute downpour and during a rain delay there she was helping me dry my clubs. It was so important to her that we had what we needed to be successful and at that moment that meant having our clubs ready when play resumed. Then just a few weeks later she left Washington, D.C. during the middle of a conference to come watch me play at the NCAA Championship. She had a presence about her; something you could just feel and you never wanted to let her down. Not only was she dedicated to her student-athletes but also to this institution. Her loyalty to the University of Illinois ran deep and she would often say, "I bleed Orange and Blue."
Karol Kahrs and Renee Slone, Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony - 2017"Hanging in my office is a poster Dr. Kahrs gave me when I was named the women's golf coach here at Illinois. It reads "Possibilities – The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." She certainly lived that! The Illini have lost a legend but her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come."
There will be private services and gatherings in Champaign and West Lafayette and a public memorial celebration of Dr. Kahrs's life in Champaign next summer when conditions are safe for gatherings. Dr. Kahrs will be interred at the Mt. Hope cemetery in Champaign.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics in support of women's athletic programs in her name by check sent to:
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