Linda Wells

College of Education and Human Development and President's Office, September 27, 2010

Linda Wells, pioneering role model, inspiring mentor to women and girls, and legendary coach, received a masters degree in education and exercise physiology from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. At the age of 21, she was the first female to be named a full-time Gopher head coach. She served as the head coach in three women's sports - basketball, softball, and volleyball. After 15 successful years at the University of Minnesota, she left to head the softball program at the Arizona State University. In 2005, she retired after more than 30 years of collegiate coaching with an overall winning record of 884-653, numerous conference championships, All-American awards, several medals, and national tournament berths. In addition to coaching, she founded Wells Sports Corporation that has produced numerous coaching and skill videos for softball coaches and players. She has also coached on the national and international level of softball. She is a member of the NSCA Hall of Fame, the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame in volleyball and softball, and the State of Minnesota Hall of Fame. She is described as a true pioneer in Gopher athletic history whose dedication and passion have helped to advance opportunities for girls and women in sports.