Joyce, Joan

Joan Joyce has to be one of the most incredible female athletes of all time. She has left an indelible mark on women’s athletics -- creating a legacy that has been instrumental in bringing women’s athletics into the public spotlight.

In basketball, Joyce was a four time Women’s Basketball Association (WBA) All-American and a three time AAU All-American. In 1964, she set a national tournament single-game scoring record (67 points) and played on the 1965 U.S. National Team. Joyce was a highly regarded basketball official from 1958-1972. She officiated several CIAC State Tournament games and three AIAAW national championship games.

Joyce is perhaps best known for her talents on the softball field. Currently Head Coach at Florida Atlantic University, she played for the Raybestos Brakettes for 19 seasons. Among other accomplishments, Joyce was an 8-time National Tournament MVP and was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Joyce was also a 19-year member of the LPGA Tour from 1977-1995. She was the player/coach for the U.S. Volleyball Association Connecticut Clippers and competed in four National Tournaments. She finished third in the balloting for Athletes of the Millennium in Connecticut.