DURHAM, N.C. – Former Duke women’s basketball and ACC Legend Lorraine “Woody” Woodyard passed away May 17 at the age of 89.
Woodyard arrived at Duke University in 1954 as an instructor in the women's physical education department. During her 40-year tenure she reached the rank of associate professor in physical education, assistant director of athletics and coordinator of women’s athletics. Woodyard was the first woman to hold this title at Duke University.
Later Woodyard and Calla Raynor, also a member of the physical education department, founded the Duke women’s basketball program in 1968.
Both Woodyard and Raynor were honored in 2008 as ACC women’s basketball legends as the duo are credited as driving forces in the growth of women’s athletics, not only at Duke, but throughout the state of North Carolina.