Skidmore College Athletics

Appointed to Skidmore's Department of Physical Education and Dance in 1960, Jane Strait Misurelli Kuk initially served a population of 800 female students as a tenured assistant professor and head resident of Kimball House dorm. Over the ensuing three decades, she incorporated the growing arena of women's athletics into the curriculum, generating whole new fields in coaching. She coached and taught badminton, squash, racquetball, gymnastics, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, track and field, field hockey, and lacrosse (the latter two as head coach) -demonstrating extraordinary versatility and range of skills.
 
Named assistant athletic director in 1982, "Ms. Miz" as she was affectionately addressed by students, was instrumental in guiding Skidmore's female athletes from club sport participants to competitive varsity team players with unfailing dedication, pride, and integrity. She was responsible for scheduling all athletic team travel, directing the summer tennis program and summer camps, and organizing tournaments, most notably the Northeastern College Field Hockey Association Tournament. Coach Misurelli also gave much to Skidmore Athletics in her unofficial capacity as trusted mentor and benefactor for new instructors.