University of Vermont Athletics

Pamela M. Packard 1978 - Field Hockey, Skiing, Softball

During the time when many athletes were beginning to concentrate on one sport (certainly no more than two), Pam Packard, a 1988 UVM Hall of Fame inductee, was a standout in three. Beginning with the '70s, it became abundantly clear to many versatile athletes that it was practically impossible to compete in multiple sports and still maintain a respectable academic standing.

Packard starred in three sports over four years (field hockey, skiing, and softball) and was a cum laude graduate of UVM in 1978.

In field hockey, she was named to the All-College squad, played in the Northeast Tournament (contingent of collegiate all-stars), participated in the National Sectional Field Hockey Tournament in both 1976 and 1977 and was at the Olympic Development Camp for two years. After graduation, Packard returned to campus during the summers to serve as the head coach at UVM's Summer Field Hockey Camp from 1981-85, serving under former coach, Janice Lange.

As a member of the ski team, she served as captain of the alpine squad in 1978. After her sophomore season, Pam was presented the team's Most Improved Award. As an alpine racer, she was on the varsity traveling team for three years and competed in three AIAW national championships.

Statistically, her best sport was softball. As a senior in 1978 she hit .532 and scored 51 runs (in only 17 games), both UVM records, and captained the team that finished 13-4 and qualified for the New England Regional Tournament.

Her former coach, Sally Guerette, remembers Pam's accomplishments: "Undoubtedly, one of the best athletes I ever coached. She was a fierce competitor. What impressed many of us coaches was her willingness to help others, particularly the younger players."

 At the 1978 Senior Letterwinner's banquet, Pam received the Semans Trophy, awarded to the male and female senior athletes who are outstanding in the respect and regard of their fellow students for leadership, loyalty and service to the university, and for the active participation in athletics.

In addition to her outstanding performance on the athletic fields and the classroom, Pam still found time to serve on the University's Athletic Council and play intramural basketball and ice hockey.