Fran Towle, Massachusetts – 1989
Fran is the deputy commissioner for the Newton Parks and Recreation Department. As an advocate for the advancement of girls’ and women’s sports, Fran has been instrumental in founding and developing many female programs in Newton, including the Women’s Softball League, the Lassie League for elementary grade girls, Fillies League for high school girls, a women’s and junior high basketball league, a flag football league, and a women’s and junior high school volleyball leagues.
As an active basketball official, she has served in leadership roles on the Boston Board of Officials, the Affiliated Basketball Officials Board, and the OWCA Board. She has officiated in many high school and collegiate tournament.
Back in 1968, Fran was an Olympic candidate for basketball. In 1968 she participated in the Women’s National Invitational in Winchester, PA. In 1982 she was awarded the Hall of Fame Athletic Award from Perry, Iowa.