Allen, Virginia

Swarthmore High School
Philadelphia
1994

A teacher and coach at Swarthmore High School in Philadelphia for more than 30 years, Virginia "Ginger" Allen's greatest contribution to lacrosse was not her record of wins, but her ability to inspire enthusiasm for the game among her students. Her Swarthmore teams compiled an unbeaten streak that lasted an incredible 29 years, from 1932-61. Eleven of her students became college All-Americans.

Allen was an outstanding second home player for the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association for many years. She was a member of the United States Team from 1935-1938. An inscription in Swarthmore's 1949 yearbook dedicated to Ginger read "to Miss Allen, who in addition to showing us the path to athletic endeavor has also given us a start down the field of life." The 1970 National Lacrosse Tournament was dedicated in her honor.

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