Helen Smiley, a pivotal figure in the advancement of women’s sports and a former athletics administrator at the University of North Dakota (UND), has passed away at the age of 87. She died on Friday in Davenport, Iowa.

A Distinguished Career at UND

Smiley dedicated 14 years to UND, where she made lasting contributions to the athletic program. Her significant achievements included induction into the UND Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997 and serving as the interim athletic director for a four-month period in 1984, following the transition between Carl Miller and Gino Gasparini.

After her tenure at UND, Smiley took on the role of athletic director at Western Illinois University, where she served from 1994 until 2001. Her outstanding work in this capacity earned her the NACDA Athletic Director of the Year award in 2000, and the Summit League established its Women’s All-Sports Award in her honor.

Advancements in Women’s Athletics

Smiley was instrumental in steering the university’s women’s athletics program through significant legal and cultural changes brought about by Title IX legislation, enacted in 1972. She became the first full-time women’s athletics coordinator at UND and played a crucial role in establishing the first women’s collegiate athletic conference, the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), which existed from 1972 to 1982.

Throughout her career, Smiley held various positions including:

• Coordinator of women’s athletics (1973)
• Coordinator of athletics (1975)
• Assistant athletic director (1978)
• Associate athletic director (1982)

Legacy and Recognition

In addition to her accolades at UND, Smiley was honored with inductions into the WIU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Summit League Hall of Fame in 2018. Her impact on the sports community is remembered fondly by colleagues and friends.

Steve Brekke, Director for Development at the UND Foundation and fellow Hall of Fame inductee, remarked on her contributions: “She’ll be remembered for what she did for women’s athletics and athletics in general. The awards she has received speak for themselves.”

Academic Foundations

Smiley earned her bachelor’s degree from DePauw University, followed by a master’s from Ball State and a doctoral degree from the University of Iowa. Her career began in Indiana as a teacher and coach before advancing to become the first women’s athletic director for the University of Iowa.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact

Helen Smiley’s dedication to promoting women in sports and her unwavering commitment to athletic excellence has left an indelible mark on the landscape of collegiate athletics. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.