Connie Shafar (1987) - Hall of Fame

Connie Shafar

Induction:
1987
Class:
1969

Connie Shafar attended UNI from 1965-69 where she was instrumental in promoting the women's intercollegiate program. As the student representative on the committee that established the program, she saw it become a reality.

During her senior year, she played on the first UNI women's basketball and field hockey teams. At her graduation ceremonies, she was honored for her efforts by receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award. After graduation, she began her teaching and coaching career in Hampton, Iowa, assisting in the basketball and track programs and initiating the softball program in 1970. She spent seven years at Hudson (Iowa) High School as head softball and basketball coach and was named Outstanding Young Educator during her second year there. As basketball coach for seven years, she guided the program to a 117-48 record and a third place finish at the state tournament in 1979. She also coached softball was instrumental in starting the Hudson Invitational Softball Tournament. Shafar has served on several state committees, including the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Board of Controls (1977-85).

As a teacher and coach at Pleasant Valley High School, she was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year for the 1985-86 school year. Her PVHS basketball team was featured in the documentary film "Basketball Hall of Fame."