Courtesy: Minnesota Athletics
Terry Ganley, longtime U of M swimming coach and exceptional former Gopher student-athlete, will serve as Grand Marshal for the University of Minnesota’s 2021 Homecoming parade on Sept. 24, 2021.
Each year, the U of M Alumni Association (UMAA) selects alumni who have demonstrated exceptional passion for the University and dedication to its mission to be the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals. These talented alumni also serve as role models for future and current students.
As a student, Ganley was the first female All-American in any sport at the University, as well as a two-time Big Ten Champion and four-time All-American. She received the Senior Athlete of the Year Award and was the first student-athlete to receive the U of M Presidential Outstanding Leadership Award. She is an inaugural member of the U of M Aquatics Hall of Fame and a member of the Minnesota M Club Hall of Fame.
After her graduation in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education, she began her coaching career at the University. During her subsequent 44-year tenure at the University before her retirement in the spring of 2021, Ganley received multiple honors, including being named to the Minnesota Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame, and receiving the National Girls and Women in Sport Award, being named Big Ten Co-Coach of the Year, and receiving multiple American Swimming Coaches Association Awards of Excellence.
During her coaching career, more than 150 student-athletes earned more than 450 All-America certificates under her tutelage. She coached more than 130 Big Ten individual and relay Big Ten Champions, five NCAA Champions, and student-athletes that competed in four Olympic Games, as well as the FINA World Championships.
“The ties I have with the University are about the relationships and the people I have spent time with over the years,” Ganley said. “It’s the lifelong friends that I made as an undergrad, the many young men and women I coached over the years, and the people I have worked with and for during that time. I hope that Homecoming 2021 can be a huge celebration for each of us, while at the same time, acknowledging the pain, suffering, and loss we all felt on some level this past year. On Homecoming weekend, everyone who comes back to share in events shares the special bond of being a ‘Gopher for Life.’ It fills me with pride to be able to be a part of it.”
“Terry’s impact on the University as an alumna and coach is profound,” said Alumni Association President and CEO Lisa Lewis. “Throughout her distinguished 44-year career, she left a legacy of excellence and commitment to student athlete success. We are honored to have her serve as this year’s Grand Marshal.”
The 2021 Homecoming celebration will begin September 23 with the Alumni Awards Affair.
Golden Girl! 〽️