This is why I give: Linda Wells

Wells came to the U of M as a multi-sport athlete in high school and college, and planned to study exercise physiology for a career in research. She soon earned coaching roles on campus, and at age 21, was the first female full-time Gopher head coach, serving with the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams— all of which qualified for their national championships. She continued playing careers in field hockey and volleyball, and played professional softball for the Chicago Ravens and the St. Louis Hummers (which she also coached). Wells was also head coach for two US national teams, which each won gold medals in international competition. In 1989, she left Minnesota to become head coach for Arizona State University softball, retiring in the top 10 winningest NCAA coaches in 2005. She coached softball in the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008, completing her coaching career with six international medals. Wells is in 14 halls of fame, with multiple other accolades, and her impact as a player, coach, clinician, speaker, and advocate for the sport of softball is legendary. 

“I learned so much from mentors such as Belmar Gunderson and Herb Brooks,” she says. “I’m thankful to those who supported me throughout my career, and now, I’m proud of the times when I can lend a hand to a young person.”

Wells decided to lend a hand to today’s Gophers by establishing the Linda M. Wells Future Coach Scholarship in the School of Kinesiology. She says, “I know few people are fortunate enough to have the mentors, leadership, and advice which I have been provided, and the scholarship is my way to give back. I also wish to honor all those who have touched my life with love and support to help me achieve my goals, as well as my former players, assistants, and managers during my tenure at the U of M, who bled with me, maroon and gold. My hats off to thee!”

—Linda Wells