Elma Neal Roane, the widely-recognized foundation of women's athletics at The University of Memphis, died on Monday evening at the age of 93.
A graduate of Messick High School in Memphis, Roane was a heralded softball and basketball player, her summer league softball teams winning city and state championships at three national championships at Soldier Field in Chicago. She was a nationally ranked badminton player and an avid golfer, gardener and fisherman throughout her life.
"Elma Roane was a true champion for women's athletics, not only at The University of Memphis, but on a nationwide basis as well," wrote U of M athletic Director R.C. Johnson in a press release. "She was a leader for equality in athletics and because of her efforts and determination, young women have had more opportunities to excel both academically and athletically at the collegiate level. She will long be remembered as the matriarch of Lady Tiger Athletics."
Roane was associated with The U of M as a student, athlete, coach, professor and administrator for more than 45 years. She earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from West Tennessee State Teachers College in 1940. She taught physical education at Treadwell High School for six years and earned a master's degree from the University of Tennessee. While at Treadwell, she coached the junior high boys basketball team, guiding them to a district runner-up finish and a district championship in two seasons.
Roane oversaw a renovation of The U of M fieldhouse in 1978, which provided a competitive venue for women's basketball, volleyball and gymnastics upon its completion. In 1993, University officials honored Roane by renaming the field house's Memorial Gym, home to the women's basketball and volleyball teams, as the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
"Ms. Roane deserves the credit for women's athletics at The University of Memphis," wrote U of M president Shirley Raines in a press release. "She shaped generations of young women's lives, and countless young leaders were influenced by her depth of character, determination against great odds, and abiding belief in the power of education to change lives. From school coaching to having a fieldhouse named in her honor, Ms. Roane did not lose her down-to-earth demeanor, straightforwardness and wit. We will miss her very much. On behalf of our current students, faculty and staff and all those she taught, coached and led, our heartfelt sympathies."
Visitation will be held in the main gymnasium of the Elma Roane Fieldhouse on The U of M campus on Thursday from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Funeral services for Ms. Roane will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery at 5668 Poplar Avenue.
