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Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Chris Voelz, Class of 1970. The interview was conducted by Milner Library student employee Rexton Jones on July 12, 2023. Voelz, a 1970 graduate of Illinois State University and current executive director of the Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards, reflects on her early experiences, career trajectory, and the challenges she overcame to advance gender equity in sports.
Chris Voelz was born in Illinois but spent much of her early childhood in Louisiana, where her parents’ progressive views on equality deeply influenced her perspective on education and social justice. Concerned about the quality of education in Louisiana, her family later returned to the Chicago suburbs, where Voelz developed her athletic talents. Despite excelling in sports, she faced systemic gender barriers, as girls were not allowed to compete in organized school athletics. Undeterred, Voelz participated in secretive competitions at Chicago’s Navy Pier, supported by her forward-thinking parents.
After high school, Voelz attended Illinois State University, drawn by its progressive physical education program and opportunities for women athletes. At ISU, she played volleyball, basketball, softball, and golf, benefiting from mentorship by trailblazing faculty members like Drs. Phebe Scott Laurie Mabry. The university’s culture of leadership development empowered Voelz to challenge norms, such as advocating for equitable dormitory policies for women. Her time at ISU solidified her passion for physical education and her resolve to address gender disparities in sports.
Voelz began teaching and coaching at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois after graduation, where she initiated volleyball, basketball, and softball programs for girls. Encouraged by her mentors, including Dr. Mabry, Voelz represented high school coaches on the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women’s Scholarship Committee. This experience exposed her to internal debates within women’s sports advocacy, as some feared that introducing scholarships for female athletes would replicate the commercial excesses of men’s sports.
While teaching, Voelz pursued a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University, pioneering a program in sports psychology under the guidance of Dr. Lou Jean Moyer. Her thesis on motivation and coaching emphasized the value of positive reinforcement, distinguishing her as a thought leader in coaching philosophy. The thesis gained national recognition, leading to speaking engagements and bolstering her reputation as an innovator in women’s sports.
Voelz’s success in high school coaching and advocacy eventually led her to collegiate athletics. She became the head volleyball coach at the University of Oregon, where she also served as assistant athletic director, focusing on marketing women’s sports. Her tenure at Oregon marked the beginning of a transformative period in her career, as she balanced coaching with administrative responsibilities and began raising the profile of women’s athletics at the collegiate level.
In 1988, Voelz was appointed athletic director for women’s athletics at the University of Minnesota, one of only five women in such roles nationwide. She oversaw a transformative era, leading the construction of nine athletic facilities and significantly improving academic and athletic outcomes for female student-athletes. Despite facing societal resistance and gender biases, Voelz’s tenure was characterized by innovation and cultural change, positioning the university as a leader in women’s sports.
After leaving Minnesota, Voelz continued to advocate for gender equity in sports, consulting for institutions and organizations like the NCAA and the Women’s Sports Foundation. A pivotal moment came when Billie Jean King invited her to join the foundation, where Voelz helped expand its mission to support girls and women across all sports and age groups. This work eventually led her to her current role as executive director of the Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards, where she celebrates the achievements of female athletes.
Voelz’s contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Women Leaders in College Sports, induction into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame, and the Illinois State University Alumni Award. Each honor reflects her lasting impact on the advancement of women’s athletics and her role as a trailblazer in the field.
In reflecting on the future of women’s sports, Voelz acknowledged significant progress but cautioned against new challenges, such as the financial pressures posed by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements and the transfer portal. She emphasized the need for thoughtful leadership to ensure that all collegiate sports, particularly those outside of football and men’s basketball, continue to thrive. Voelz remains optimistic but stresses the importance of ongoing advocacy to protect opportunities for women and uphold the values of collegiate athletics.
See also Redbird Buzz episode featuring Chris Voelz: https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/redbirdbuzz/50/.
Interview Date
7-12-1970
Index
- Introduction; Voelz’ early life: 00:00-02:14
- High school experiences: 02:14-06:45
- Choosing Illinois State University for undergraduate education; majoring in physical education: 06:45-12:37
- Student involvement, activism, and advocacy: 12:37-19:17
- Competition experiences at ISU: 19:17-22:21
- Early career at Maine South High School: 22:21-23:56
- Role on AIAW Scholarship Committee: 23:56-28:09
- Graduate studies at Northern Illinois University: 28:09-36:15
- Transition to collegiate athletics: 36:15-40:40
- Athletic director role at University of Minnesota: 40:40-44:12
- Post-Minnesota career: 44:12-47:17
- Recognitions and awards: 47:47-48:54
- Vision for future of women’s athletics; closing remarks: 48:54-52:07
Recommended Citation
Voelz, Chris, "Interview with Chris Voelz, Class of 1970" (1970). Alumni Oral Histories. 80.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/80