Desegregating Athletics

The first black student athlete on an intercollegiate team was freshman Jane Gates. Her athletics debut was auspicious, playing on the 1971 National Championship basketball team. She also played on the volleyball team, which won several tournaments that year.

Jane Gates graduated from MSCW in 1974. She was active in several sports and organizations and was selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

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Jane Gates Yearbook Photo, 1974.
Mississippi University for Women Archives. Meh Lady Collection.

National Basketball Champions, 1971.
Mississippi University for Women Archives. Meh Lady Collection.