STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford Athletics has announced the endowment of a field hockey assistant coach position through a generous gift from an anonymous donor. The position is named in honor of Onnie Killefer, a 1978 graduate of Stanford and the program's first All-American.
"We are proud to honor one of our program's all-time greats. Onnie was the first of many All-Americans in our program. As someone who is following in her footsteps as the head coach, I am happy to know Onnie will be recognized every day here on the Farm" said head coach Roz Ellis.
Killefer was a two-time All-American in 1976 and 1977, helping lead the Cardinal to 31 victories, against just eight losses, in the first four seasons of the program. She led the team to a pair of AIAW national championship appearances, as well as an NCIAC Championship in 1975, and was a national team player during and after her career for Stanford.
"We are grateful to the anonymous donor for their support and generosity in endowing this position," said Bernard Muir, the Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics. "Onnie was synonymous with excellence during her time at Stanford, and this endowment is a tremendous tribute to her legacy."
After her accolade-filled career, Killefer returned to the Farm in 1981 for a four-year stint as the program's head coach. Stanford went 35-24-5 during her tenure, helping pave the way to some of the team's most successful seasons.
"It is a tremendous honor to have a coaching position endowed in my name. Being part of the Stanford experience as a student-athlete and coach has inspired and informed the rest of my life in myriad ways, and I am forever grateful for that experience," said Killefer.
The endowment is the first for the field hockey program. Laura Hurff will be the first Stanford coach to hold the title.