Hall of Fame
“The Golden Phantoms"
Inducted October 13, 1979
Record: 13-0
Coach: Luther Kuder
Captain: Olivia Bost
Team: Kathryn Baird, F. Louise Bailey, Sarah Baisler, Olivia Bost, Rosanna Garner, Mary Hankey, Jane Holden, Dorothy Jennings, Dorothy Newell, Ester Pflum, Alberta Stafford, Clara Templeton
If one searched the archives for words to praise the 1925-26 women’s basketball team, nothing could be found that would better sum up “The Golden Phantoms” than the write-up in the 1926 yearbook.
“Real stars shine for themselves. This team of 1925-26 proved that they were real stars by the brilliant light which they cast along the season’s path. They had the technique, the skill, the training and the spirit, all of which were displayed in their long train of victories. These girls were Phantoms indeed, but not the kind which pass mysteriously in the night, never to be seen or heard of again. They were Golden Phantoms who passed through the season with an unbroken chain of conquests and who will continue in triumph through coming years. Their glorious morale and profound fighting ability in tense situations brought about the sweeping scores which attracted the admiration of a vast number of people. When these girls appeared on the floor in their uniforms with a poise gained only by the spirit of success, Thiel came into its own and shone with the true luster of Blue and Gold.
We search in vain to place the credit for this remarkable team. The coach, the captain and the individual members must have been exceptional to have brought about such results. In the history of Thiel College, they have written a page upon which many other pages will hinge.”
To play 13 games against the caliber of teams they played and to come away undefeated left no doubt in anyone’s mind. “The Golden Phantoms” were magnificent and rightfully hold this place in the Thiel College Athletic Hall of Fame.
