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Even before Cheryl Hitchings became a historical figure in women’s athletics, she was present at pivotal moments.
She witnessed Kathrine Switzer defy the status quo as the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967. This spectacle of courage occurred years before Title IX, the 1972 civil rights law that ended sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs, broadened the playing field for women in sports.
By 1974, two years post-Title IX, Hitchings was making history herself. She became the first woman hired as a full-time Athletic Trainer at the University of South Carolina, tasked with overseeing the women's varsity teams.
“I was never aiming to make history; I just did what I felt driven to do.”
Her journey began in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, where she drew inspiration from her family to chase her dreams, leading her to pursue athletic training.
Hitchings’ path to historic firsts continued at the University of Massachusetts, where she also became the first female certified Athletic Trainer. Her role was crucial in advocating for better resources for women’s teams, a testament to her dedication and resilience.
She later chose South Carolina’s master's program for its sunshine and new opportunities, working under Helen Timmerman, the first women's athletic director at the university. Hitchings managed her responsibilities from a modest setup in a converted shower stall, ensuring the "Carolina Chicks" received proper athletic care for a meager stipend of $200 a month.
Decades later, Hitchings' influence remains evident. She ventured west to Cal State University Los Angeles and later earned a Ph.D., working with the USA field hockey team and participating in two Olympics.
Despite a lack of female mentors, Hitchings herself became a role model, teaching for over 20 years and inspiring many, like Marika Conway, one of her students at Bridgewater State. Conway recalled:
“Cheryl had more letters after her name than in her name, marking her as an endlessly curious and comprehensive teacher.”
Today, the landscape of athletic training at South Carolina has evolved. Kelsey Chambers, current head Athletic Trainer for the track and field team, reflects on the progress. Chambers noted the gender-balanced staff at South Carolina:
“The world of athletic training has seen substantial shifts. Today, the goals young women aspire to seem much more attainable.”
As the 2024 NCAA women’s basketball tournament set viewership records, Hitchings modestly reflected on her role in these changes.
She underscored a career not merely about breaking barriers but also about fostering an environment where future generations of women could thrive in sports and beyond:
“I never saw myself as trying to become a legend. It just happened."
Read more about her remarkable story here!
