Helen Briwa: Pioneering Women’s Athletics Legend and Titan Hall of Famer Dies

Helen Briwa, a true pioneer in women’s athletics, has passed away at 93. Her legacy at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh) and her impact on women’s sports are monumental.

From founding women’s athletic programs to coaching several sports, Briwa shaped the future of athletics at UW-Oshkosh. She served as the only women’s athletic director in the university’s history.

Briwa’s efforts brought national recognition to UW-Oshkosh. She played a key role in forming the Wisconsin Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WWIAC), which later became the WIAC.

You can read more about her life and achievements on the official UW-Oshkosh Titans website.

Helen Briwa’s Early Life and Athletic Prowess

Briwa’s journey in athletics started long before her time at UW-Oshkosh. Born in Hudson, N.Y., she excelled in sports like field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, softball, and tennis during college.

She didn’t just play for fun—she competed at the highest levels open to women then. As a field hockey player, she made the Mohawk Association First Team and the Northeast Region Second Team.

In lacrosse, her team reached both regional and national tournaments. Briwa’s competitive spirit and athletic talent were clear from the start.

Academic Achievements and Early Career

Briwa shone academically as well. She earned a bachelor’s in physical education from Skidmore College in 1953 and a master’s from Smith College in 1956.

She went on to complete a doctorate in physical education and guidance at The Ohio State University in 1966. These achievements set her up for a remarkable career in coaching and athletic administration.

The Birth of Women’s Athletics at UW-Oshkosh

In 1968, Briwa brought her experience and passion for women’s sports to UW-Oshkosh. Back then, women’s collegiate sports were just starting to gain attention, and Briwa pushed hard to establish them at the university.

By 1970, she joined a three-person committee to draft the constitution for what would become the WWIAC. The next year, the conference officially formed, and Briwa became UW-Oshkosh’s first Women’s Director of Athletics.

Roles and Responsibilities

Briwa wore many hats at UW-Oshkosh. She worked as an associate professor in the Physical Education Department and coached sports like badminton, field hockey, softball, track & field, and volleyball.

She poured herself into coaching, helping players earn individual honors in the College North Field Hockey Association (NCFHA) and WWIAC. Under her guidance, athletes like Danielle Bauer, Sharon Butz, Darla Deville, Linda Hobbs, Ellen Krabbe, Janet Mueller, and Faye Salisbury grew from beginners to standout performers.

Achievements and Accolades

From 1971 to 1988, Briwa led UW-Oshkosh’s women’s programs to three national championships and 18 WIAC titles. In 1981, the WWIAC named her field hockey coach of the year.

She helped produce many championship teams during her time as women’s athletic director. These included:

• Two NCAA Division III titles
• One NAIA crown
• One Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) Division III championship
• 18 WWIAC titles

Legacy and Retirement

Briwa retired as a professor in the UW-Oshkosh Physical Education Department in 1994. Even after stepping down as women’s athletic director in 1988, she stayed involved.

She received a Special Recognition Award from the WWIAC in 1989 and joined the WIAC Hall of Fame in 2022. Briwa also served on the UW-Oshkosh Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee until her passing.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside her professional life, Briwa had plenty of interests. She won awards with the Badger Dachshund Club and the Dachshund Club of America.

Her love for these activities showed her wide-ranging passions and her drive for excellence in everything she did.