Induction Video(Written: June 2015)Nancy Nelson is commonly referred to as one of the greatest female athletes in UW-Whitewater history. She earned 13 letters during her time as a Warhawk – four in basketball, four in golf, two in volleyball, two in softball and one in tennis. She was a three-time team most valuable player and two-year captain in leading the women’s basketball team to a 32-5 record over four seasons. She was also a four-year team medalist in golf.
Following her UW-Whitewater career, she continued to compete in basketball, softball and golf. Nelson competed in basketball in the Amateur Athletic Union – the highest amateur league in the United States – and led her team to six appearances in the national tournament, while being named first team all-league in 1973.
In 1979, Nelson was a No. 1 draft choice of the now-defunct International Women’s Professional Softball Association and was named the league’s MVP as a member of the St. Louis Hummers. In golf, she won state championships and was highly competitive in several tournaments around the state. Nelson is a member of the NAIA District 14 and UW-Whitewater halls of fame.
Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in professional development. She resides in Wauwatosa, Wis.