Nita Head (1987) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

Nita Head

Induction:
1987

Nita Head – Tennis Coach and Administrator, 1967-1982 (Deceased)

Nita Head had the opportunity to do what few coaches can only dream about – build an athletic program from the ground up.

Not only did she construct the Murray State women’s tennis program, but she maintained that program as a Murray showplace.

When she initiated the program in 1967, there was little reason to expect overnight success. But coach Head’s teams began writing history with a flourish.

Undefeated in their first two seasons (14-0), Head’s teams would eventually compile a 204-67 record, good enough for a .753 winning percentage. That included three undefeated seasons – 1967, 1968, and 1973 (11-0). Her 1981 team finished with a school record 30 victories, including a Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Conference Tournament championship over the University of Kentucky. In Ohio Valley Conference play, Head was named 1981 KWIC Coach of the Year.

Head, who taught physical education at MSU, was named the school’s athletic coordinator for women in 1979. She retired from coaching and administrative duties in 1982, leaving behind a standard of excellence which few could equal. (The Murray Ledger & Times, October 26, 1987, Homecoming ’87)