As a coach, she emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, growth, and development. At that time in our collective history, women’s athletics were not as widely followed. She challenged her players to be their best selves and created an environment on campus where women were able to support, love, and accept one other. Her athletes were known as “Snell’s Belles,” and she fostered many generations of successful athletes at Ursinus, leaving behind a culture of encouraging women to pursue athletics. 

There are many professors and coaches that make Ursinus special and help to shape the student experience. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate all the women scholars, athletes, professors, and coaches who have paved the way for so many young women who came after them. Eleanor Snell has made a huge difference in women’s athletics and at Ursinus as a whole. The Bear community will forever be grateful for her impact.

Visit the Eleanor Frost Snell Collection in the Ursinus Digital Commons and read more about her here.