Eleanor Hansen
Emeritus Professor of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation
During her 35 years as a member of the Women’s Physical Education Department at Carleton, Eleanor Hansen initiated and became the first coach of several women’s varsity teams. A pioneer in women’s intercollegiate sport, she is the recipient of the NCAA Silver Award for distinguished service. Hansen coached softball at Carleton for 15 years and cross country for 10 years. Her cross country teams competed in national competition for eight of those years.
Upon her retirement, the annual women’s cross country invitational was named the Ele Hansen Invitational. Alumni, colleagues and friends also established a scholarship fund in her honor.