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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. – Chapman University Hall of Famer and women’s athletics pioneer Penny Brush will step down from her role as Associate Director of Athletics, effective May 31. Her retirement marks the end of a 33-year career in Chapman athletics where she served as a coach, an associate athletic director, an NCAA compliance officer, a mentor and a friend to so many who have come and gone through the doors of the Hutton Sports Center. “It has been my privilege and joy to serve Chapman University and its students,” said Brush. “During my time I have had wonderful experiences and I cherish the friendships. I have loved everything about being a part of Chapman.” Brush began her career at Chapman in 1973 and immediately forged the way for women in college athletics at what was then, Chapman College. She helped to start the women’s volleyball team in ’73 and the women’s basketball team in ’74 and served as head coach of both teams. She also took over as head coach of the women’s softball program in ’74, one year into its existence. She spent the longest amount of time with the volleyball team, from 1973-84, and compiled a record of 126-112 in that time, including coaching eventual Chapman hall of famers Connie Norland ’81 and current head volleyball coach Mary Cahill ’86. When the NCAA began sponsoring women’s championships in 1981, Brush was at the forefront of Chapman’s involvement. She became an assistant director of athletics and eventually associate director of athletics, serving as Chapman’s officer of compliance and eligibility. She aided in the university’s transition from Division II to Division III in 1994 and contributed to the additions of nine sports at Chapman: football, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s swimming, men’s and women’s water polo, women’s track, men’s golf and women’s crew. Brush also taught in Chapman’s athletic training and physical education programs over the years and served as an advisor to many students. Most recently, she oversaw the formation of Chapman’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was honored by the university in 1999 when she was inducted into the Chapman Hall of Fame for her contributions to Chapman’s athletics, in particular, to women’s sports and her accomplishments in coaching. Students and colleagues had an opportunity to thank her and wish her well at a party earlier this month on campus. In retirement, Brush plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and serve through volunteer work. She and her husband continue to live in Seal Beach.
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