Mary McCoy - 1998

Mary McCoy is a pioneer in women’s sports among the junior colleges in the state of Alabama.  She reins as one the first to lead teams to state championships and national tournament under the auspices of the American Intercollegiate Association for Women before the National Junior College Athletic Association included women’s sports under its coverage. 

Born in Athens, Alabama, Coach McCoy graduated from Athens College with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.  As a teacher in the Athens City Schools and Limestone County Schools systems, she completed the Master of Arts degree in physical Education at Athens State College.  She also had additional graduate level courses from Auburn University, the University of Alabama and Alabama A& M University.  

In the fall of 1969, Coach McCoy joined the faculty in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department at Calhoun Community College.  The women’s athletic program began in 1971 under the sanction of the AIAW with Mrs. McCoy coaching softball and tennis. She became the women’s track and field coach in 1971.  Coach McCoy’s teams claimed state championships in all three sports during her coaching tenure at Calhoun. 

With the termination of track and field and softball in 1976 due to budget restrictions, Coach McCoy continued her coaching on the tennis court.  Her teams claimed consecutive state championships in 1975 and 1976, earning her AJCC Tennis Coach of the Year honors following each campaign. Two of her tennis squads competed in the NJCAA National Tournament with the 1978 team finishing in tenth place. 

Mary McCoy served as a guiding force in the emergence of physical education in Alabama, and was twice named as on of the Outstanding Young Women in America. She was named as a finalist in the Governor’s Physical Fitness Leadership Award and was listed as one of the Personalities of the South in 1995. 

After 14 years in the Calhoun staff, Coach McCoy returned to Athens City School system to teach K-5 Physical Education at Julian Newman Elementary School.  Mrs. McCoy joined the faculty at the University of North Alabama in 1988 and remained in the HPER department until her retirement in 1995. 

In the spring of 1996, Mary McCoy returned to Alabama Junior College system as a student-athlete.  As a member of the varsity tennis squad at Northwest Shoals Community College, she finished as the number four singles AJCCC runner up, also competing at the number one doubles position for her team. 

Mrs. Mary McCoy eagerly shared her expertise, energy, and enthusiasm as a teacher, coach, friend, and mentor to players and students throughout her career.  Numerous people have benefited from her tutelage and encouragement. 

Married to Dr. Larry McCoy, she is the mother of a son, Mike McCoy of Athens, Alabama.