The Lasting Legacy of Rosemary Fri

Excitement was high as UNC women’s athletic supporters gathered on a brisk Saturday morning in early April for the 17th annual UNC Women’s Walk prepared to walk the course through campus.

The UNC Women’s Walk is an annual fundraiser to support the greatest needs of UNC’s female student-athletes, and every year it serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role that women’s athletics have played in UNC’s history. This year drove that point even further home. Honoring Rosemary Fri, M.A. ’61, the event featured remarks from those who experienced firsthand the trailblazing work that she accomplished.

Rosemary’s journey began in 1959 when she arrived in Greeley to pursue her master’s degree at what was then Colorado State College.  After graduation, Rosemary joined the staff as a physical education instructor. With an unwavering dedication to advancing opportunities for women in sports, she became the coordinator for Women’s Athletics at UNC. Under her leadership, the women’s program count grew to include 10 sports, setting the stage for decades of success.

Julie Hill, M.A. ‘99, a colleague of Rosemary’s in the Women’s Athletics department, joined a team of other women personally impacted by Rosemary at this year’s Walk. As one of the team captains alongside Carolyn Gattis, B.A. ‘81, and Brenda Gallegos, M.S. ‘04, Julie played an active role in honoring Rosemary’s achievements and contributions to UNC, including her foundational work in establishing the women’s Volleyball and Tennis teams.

“I really admire people like Rosemary. We used to have a Trailblazer reunion, and she really was a trailblazer. I was born in the year 1973, the year Title IX was implemented. I think we take for granted what was not available,” said Julie.

Working with Rosemary, Julie was inspired by her love for students. While she had a passion for sports, Rosemary’s love for all students r drove her pursuit of equal opportunities for men and women in athletics.

“She was an advocate for all students and young people. She coached men’s tennis as well, and I think that’s what made her great; she really wanted to help young people become leaders and develop themselves as best they could,” said Julie.

Julie would often bring her daughter, Paige Hill, into the office. If Julie had to run to another part of campus, Paige would stay with Rosemary in the office. As a child, Paige lovingly referred to her as “Auntie Rosie” and would always look forward to seeing her at volleyball games — it didn’t hurt that she always brought Eileen’s Colossal Cookies. Now, as a student-athlete on UNC’s women’s soccer team, Paige looks back on her relationship and time with Rosemary in a new light.

“Now that I’m older, I’m having some of those full circle moments as a current student-athlete. Realizing that we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without her and her work, I love seeing younger girls at the Women’s Walk because it’s like her legacy continued,” said Paige.

The relationships that Rosemary built throughout her life and the legacy that she created will be admired by many for years to come. Rosemary Fri’s trailblazing work during her time at UNC set the stage for fundraisers like Women’s Walk to take place. The 17th annual UNC Women’s Walk had over 600 participants, including student-athletes, and raised more than $20,000 for UNC’s female student-athletes.