Karla Rice (2009) - Hall of Fame - University of Oregon Athletics

Karla Rice

Induction:
2009

Pioneering women’s collegiate athletics prior to women being afforded many opportunities to participate in sports at the intercollegiate level at Oregon, Karla Rice played a leading role in founding the Ducks’ women’s volleyball program despite not being able to participate in the sport at the intercollegiate level. Armed with two years of experience as a volleyball coach at Grand Rapids (Mich.) Junior College, she coached the sport at Oregon for 10 years in addition to serving as a physical education instructor at the University. She guided teams to national tournament play on seven of the eight occasions the Ducks had the opportunity to qualify for the post-season, and accumulated a winning percentage of better than 73 percent. Operating a program without the benefit of athletic scholarships until her final season of coaching, Rice’s record included a 30-4 mark in 1970 among her 189-68-3 ledger. Following the conclusion of her coaching career, Rice remained at the University to direct the Department of Recreation and Intramurals/Physical Activity and Recreation Services before retiring in 2000 as senior instructor emeritus.