Katherine Montgomery

After graduating from Florida State College for Women (FSCW) Katherine Montgomery became an instructor at the college and began training to head the new Physical Education program. Montgomery began her career just as a contentious argument over the right type of athletics for women was peaking. As a student, she had participated in and advocated for athletics on behalf of her fellow students. Montgomery assumed the duties of the head of the Department of Physical Education at FSCW in 1923 when critics were beginning to act on their concern for women's participation in competitive athletics. At a meeting held that same year, leaders in women's education, athletics, recreation, and fitness concluded that women should be restricted from participating in certain athletic events, a decision which affected women's sports throughout the country. The impact of Montgomery's change of heart can be seen in the effect on women's athletics at FSCW and throughout the South. This study not only brings to light the history of an extraordinary woman but also illuminates the tensions surrounding the evolution of women's athletics in the United States.