MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU Sports Hall of Famer and the founder of the Mountaineer women’s basketball program, Kittie Blakemore has died. The University announced her passing Wednesday afternoon.
Blakemore launched the program in 1973 and spent 19 seasons leading the team. She compiled a career record of 301-214. During her tenure, the Mountaineers won a pair of Atlantic 10 Conference championships (1989 conference tourney & 1992 regular season). WVU secured spots in the NCAA Tournament in both of those seasons. Blakemore was twice named the A-10’s Conference Coach of the Year (1984 & 1992).
Following her retirement from coaching, she served as WVU’s assistant athletic director for sports development and senior women’s administrator until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of the WVU Sports Hall Fame Class of 1997.
Blakemore earned a master’s degree from WVU in 1961.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kittie Blakemore,” said WVU head coach Mike Carey. “As the first coach of this program, she set the bar and developed the foundation Mountaineer women’s basketball stands on today. Even after her retirement, her love and support for this team was unquestionable, and we are so thankful for her. We will greatly miss Kittie and forever remember her in our hearts.”