Campaign will enhance four women’s programs and establish the Vicky King Head Softball Coach Endowment
Southern Illinois University Athletics announced the launch of a historic $1 million Women’s Athletics Campaign, a philanthropic initiative designed to strengthen the future of Saluki women’s sports through strategic investments in four championship programs while honoring one of the university’s most passionate advocates for women’s athletics, the late Vicky King.
The campaign will provide $250,000 in endowed support for each of four SIU women’s athletics programs: golf, volleyball, basketball and softball. In addition, the initiative will permanently name the head softball coaching position the Vicky King Head Softball Coach, honoring King’s lifelong commitment to Southern Illinois University, her advocacy for women’s athletics and her own career as a Saluki student-athlete.
“Women’s athletics have played an integral role in the history and success of Southern Illinois University, and this campaign represents our commitment to ensuring those programs continue to thrive,” said Kat Martin, senior associate athletic director of development. “The opportunity to recognize Vicky King through the naming of our head softball coaching position is especially meaningful. Her passion for SIU and women’s athletics has impacted countless student-athletes, and to honor her legacy in this way is very special.”
King’s connection to Southern Illinois University spans more than five decades. She arrived at SIU in 1972 and competed as a student-athlete in both basketball and softball. In 1975, she was the first female student-athlete at SIU to receive a full athletic scholarship following the passage of Title IX.
King graduated from SIU in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and later served as a graduate assistant with the SIU women’s basketball program. In 1984, she earned a master’s degree in sports administration and, in 1994, completed her education administration certification.
Her career continued to reflect her commitment to education and athletics. King retired from Carbondale Community High School after serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal, leaving a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes in the Southern Illinois community.
In 2018, SIU Carbondale launched “Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Types of Discrimination Against Women,” a Women’s History Month celebration recognizing women who have made significant contributions to their communities. King received the Pioneer Award for her work in education and athletics throughout her career.
“Vicky was such a powerhouse. It’s difficult to fully express what an honor it is to have this campaign name the head softball coaching position for her,” said Saluki Softball Head Coach Jen Sewell. “Her legacy represents so much more than just the sport of softball. Vicki was a leader and a trailblazer and believed we as coaches should be in this business because of our genuine commitment to young people. Every softball head coach who holds the title will now carry a piece of Vicky’s legacy with them. In the meantime, our staff and I will do everything we can to honor her legacy through the way we coach and the lives we impact.”
The four endowed program funds will provide critical resources to enhance the student-athlete experience and support the long-term success of each program. Funding may be used for recruiting, leadership development, program enhancements, equipment, travel, nutrition and other competitive priorities identified by each head coach.
By establishing the Vicky King Head Softball Coach endowment, SIU Athletics will ensure King’s legacy of leadership, perseverance and advocacy for women’s athletics continues to inspire future generations of Saluki student-athletes and coaches.
“Vicky represents so much of what is special about Saluki Athletics,” Martin said. “She believed in the power of athletics to create opportunities, build confidence and change lives. This campaign allows us to honor what she has given to SIU while investing in the women who will carry that legacy forward.”
Support the Women’s Athletics Campaign
To make a gift in honor of Vicky King and support the future of Saluki women’s athletics, give online to the Women’s Athletics Campaign.
For more information about supporting the campaign, please contact:
Kat Martin
Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development
Southern Illinois University Athletics
katm@foundation.siu.edu
815-757-0308