“To every young girl…I wish for you a life-changing experience in sports like ours has been. That you learn many lessons that will prepare you for life. And I hope that in 60 years or so, you’re still connected to your team, you’re still friends, like we are.” –Becky King, 2020
Coaches
Letty Walter
Letty Walter pioneered access to girls’ sports in the region, working for the New Albany Parks Department for more than 20 years. In addition to founding and coaching the BPW Hoosiers, she was also the team's pitcher.
She coached archery, softball, and more, before becoming a teacher and the Elementary Girls Athletic Director for Basketball & Volleyball for New Albany-Floyd County Schools. Walter went on to serve as a councilwoman for the county and city. She is known for her sense of humor, service to her community, and her love of family, friends, and sports.
Leon "Smarts" Adams
As the BPW Hoosiers were invited to more and more tournaments, Letty realized she’d need some help. Leon “Smarts” Adams, father of player Diana Adams, had experience coaching baseball for his sons' teams. He stepped in to coach for the Hoosiers and quickly became a fixture.
Diana's brother, Dave Adams, and her husband, Urbie Keithley, also helped coach the team.
Featured Players
Joan Plummer Murphy
Joan Plummer Murphy was first baseman for the BPW Hoosiers, joining the team in its early years. When she wasn’t on the field, she coached softball for younger girls and played for the BPW-sponsored championship bowling team.
In 1967 Joan was hired as the first employee of Samtec, starting as a jack-of-all-trades and helping produce, package, and ship products to customers. She went on to work in the Production and Inventory departments before retiring in 2003 with 27 years of service.
Joan was known for her wonderful sense of humor and was beloved by teammates and colleagues alike.
Diana Adams Keithley
Diana Adams Keithley played for the team for about 10 years, beginning in 1957. Her father, Leon Adams, her brothers, and her future husband, Urbie Keithley, all helped coach the BPW Hoosiers. She was one of the team’s best players and was named to the all-star team in the 1964 World Tournament. Diana went on to coach girls’ track, basketball, and volleyball in New Albany-Floyd County elementary schools for 20 years. She started the first women’s softball team in Georgetown and coached Floyd Central’s first softball team from 1977 to 1980, sharing lessons of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Mary Taylor Alexander
Mary Taylor Alexander joined the BPW Hoosiers in the 1960s. Described as a woman of many talents, she was a pitcher, a catcher, and a great hitter. She was one of the oldest players on the team, with children of her own, and had a calming and nurturing effect on her teammates. She was also the only Black player in the league during a time when most sports were still segregated.
When the BPW Hoosiers traveled to Cincinnati for a tournament, a hotel manager refused Mary service because of her race. Letty threatened to cancel the team's rooms unless Mary could stay. Another team waiting to check in threatened to cancel their rooms as well. The hotel manager gave in. Mary and the teams stayed while learning a valuable lesson in what it means to stand up for equality.
Mary went on to pioneer the New Albany Parks Department’s Special Friends Club, a program designed for people with disabilities to socialize and enjoy games and activities.
Jackie Volpert
Letty Walter called “rifle-armed third baseman” Jackie Volpert the “spirit and heart” of the BPW Hoosiers team. She was an accomplished player who was recognized by her peers and opponents for her positive attitude and work ethic.
She was one of two BPW players that played the entire time the team was active, and was later elected to the Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame. When she died in 1991, a scholarship was established in her memory to be given to a Providence High School female athlete each year.
Becky Smith King
Becky played for the BPW Hoosiers for almost a decade, starting in 1960. She was instrumental in coordinating the new BPW Hoosiers Field of Memories at Letty Walter Park. Becky has continued to serve her community by leading children's literacy programs through the New Albany-Floyd County Education Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Floyd County.
Inez "Butch" Roberts
Butch was one of the original players chosen by Letty Walter from the playgrounds of New Albany. Her teammates appreciated for her positive spirit and ability to keep everyone smiling. She also coached younger girls in softball and played on the BPW basketball team.
Sharon Foster Gardner
Sharon was one of two BPW players who played the entire time the team was active. She also played for the BPW bowling team and coached softball for younger girls. Sharon became a noted educator and coach at Floyd Central High School. She organized and coached girls' varsity sports for 18 years. Sharon devoted her time and skill in coaching recreational softball teams for over 40 years, as well as serving on the board of the New Albany Department of Parks and Recreation for more than 25 years.
Linda Arnold
Linda was one of the original players selected by Letty. She was a skilled outfielder, a powerful hitter, and and was deceptively fast. At the BPW Hoosiers's first major tournament, the National Women's Slow Pitch Tournament in Richmond, Virgina, Linda hit a home run, one of only three in the entire tournament.
Judy Leach Caufield
Judy was a catcher and outfielder for the BPW Hoosiers. Her time playing for the team empowered her to become the first member of her family to attend college.
Ginny Walker
Ginny played for the Hoosiers and was also captain of the BPW bowling team.
Karen Marx
Karen was a pitcher for the BPW Hoosiers and also played for the BPW bowling team.
Veralyn Stevens
Veralyn played for the BPW hoosiers and the BPW basketball team.
More player bios coming soon!
Patty Wilson
Linda Lamb Arnold
Patti Mueller Randolph
Sarah Salres Riley
Carol Korte Newman
Darlene Wilcoxson
Dot Richardson
Betty Grimmer
Georgetta Knecht
Cindy Williamson
Harriet Endris Smith
Jean Feather
Marsha Williamson
Jean Perry
Juanita Blunk Rouck
Betty Friedberger
Connie Knable
Sue Fetter
Betty Wisman
Jenny Walker
Pam Oliver
Patty Leiber
Sandy Downs Williamson
Debbie Adams Adwell
