Athletics Hall of Fame – April 9, 2000
Judy Southard majored in Health, Physical Education and Recreation and graduated from Coker in 1970. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1978. Judy was the senior class president and a member of the Women’s Recreation Association. Her sport activities at Coker ranged from basketball and volleyball to field hockey and tennis.
After graduation, Judy taught at West Florence High School and coached both basketball and tennis. In 1976 Judy was named South Carolina girl’s basketball coach of the year as she guided her team to the South Carolina AAAA State Championship. She was named South Carolina girl’s sports coach of the year in 1977. She served as head coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin and Marshall University in West Virginia. While at Marshall, Judy coached five consecutive Southern Conference championship teams between 1983-1988. She earned Southern Conference Coach of the Year honors in 1986, 1987, and 1991.
Judy holds the coaching record for the most wins in Marshall’s history. With over 21 seasons of coaching basketball Judy holds and impressive 308-230 record. In 1992, Judy was named Director of Athletics at Texas Women’s University. Under her leadership Texas Women’s University experienced growth and excellence in its athletic program.
After nine years at Texas Women’s University, Southard joined the staff at Louisiana State University as the Senior Associate Athletic Director. During her time at LSU Southard was a member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and served in the important role of committee chair for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years. She additionally served as a member of the SEC Executive Committee from 2004-2007.