Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Mary Ellen Hosking P’74

Professor Emerita of Physical Education
1963-1987

For more than 20 years, Hosking oversaw William Smith Athletics as it grew from a three-person physical education department to a department of physical education, dance and intercollegiate athletics, which at the time of her retirement in 1987 had a staff of 14 and nationally competitive teams. Hosking was a founding member of the Heron Society and from 1963 through 1987, served as coach of every sport the school offered. She made perhaps her greatest contribution to the tennis team, serving as head coach until 1986, when she assumed the title of Tennis Program Coordinator to devote more time to her duties as director of athletics. In 2000, Hosking established the Hosking Award, which recognizes distinguished former student-athletes for outstanding lifetime achievement in their professional field. Active in many state, regional and national organizations, Hosking was president of the New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) and served as chair of the group’s ethics and eligibility committee, as well as its tennis committee. She earned a bachelor’s in physical education from Cortland College and a master’s from the University of Colorado. In 1987, she was inducted into the Cortland State Hall of Fame and recognized by the Independent College Athletic Association for her commitment and service to intercollegiate athletics. In 1991, the NYSWCAA presented her with its Service Award for contributions to women in athletics. In 1997, Hosking was inducted as a charter member of the Heron Hall of Honor. She passed away in 2007. Read more here. 

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