Saundra Edwards (2018) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

Saundra Edwards

Induction:
2018

Saundra Edwards - MSU Athletics Administration (1974-01) (Deceased)

Her coming to work for MSU Athletics was a natural progression as she worked for Coach Cal Luther as a student secretary in the old Carr Health Building.
After she worked in career services from 1974 to 1986 when she joined the effort in MSU Athletics in 1987 until her retirement in 2001.
Started working for Coach Johnny Reagan, who was the director of athletics, as his administrative assistant in 1987 and later served under Mike Dill, Mike Strickland, Jim Frank and E.W. Dennison.
Saundra was a multi-talented and had a part in concessions operations, marketing and promotions, ticket operations, MSU Hall of Fame, game day operations and all associated athletics banquet.
Treasures the friendships that she made over the years with Coach Margaret Simmons, Cheryl Beamer, Cheryl Whitaker, Janet Futrell and Claire Benton.
Paducah native, Heath High School graduated 1957.
Her father Louis Slusmeyer was grounds superintendent at old Paducah Country Club when Saundra was born in 1939. She often went to the course with him including his time at Paxton Park.
Father gave her three clubs and that began her time as a player. Her mother, Elizabeth was a player and Saundra developed a love for the game.
In 1956, she played the great Patty Berg in an exhibition match at Paxton Park. Saundra was 16 years old at the time. Played in the Kentucky State Amateur many times.
Started her education at Murray State in the fall of 1957. Saundra’s entire family moved to the Murray as her father was commissioned to build what was then the nine-hole Murray Country Club.
She continued to play golf and at the time there were no playing opportunities for women at the collegiate level.
Coach Rex Alexander taught a golf class at Murray State and Saundra continued to play. She met Coach Buddy Hewitt who started the MSU men’s golf program. Saundra tried out and earned a spot on the men’s team. But decided to not play.
She was in charge of the student organization the women’s athletic association.