Kent State Mourns the Passing of Dr. Fay Biles
11/23/2020 3:50:00 PM | Field Hockey
KENT, OHIO-Kent State University is saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Fay R. Biles at the age of 93.
Biles was a part of the Kent State family for 34 years and earned her master's degree from Kent State in 1956. She served as head coach of the field hockey and lacrosse teams from 1956 through 1972 before becoming the Vice President of Public Affairs and Development. From 1958-1964, Biles' field hockey teams lost just one game, making her the winningest Kent State coach during that time period.
"The Kent State Field Hockey Family is saddened to learn of the passing of Fay Biles," current head field hockey coach Kyle DeSandes-Moyer said." "We will continue to honor her legacy and passion for women's athletics through our own daily actions. Our thoughts are with her family."
After retiring from Kent State, Biles kept active in several educational and service organizations. She helped found Florida Gulf Coast University in southwest Florida and was a Foundation Board Fellow. She also served as President of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She was a fundraiser for the American Heart Association and founder of their "Jump Rope for Heart" campaign that has raised 850 million dollars to date; and was President of a community taxpayers association.
Biles won the Distinguished Teaching Award from Kent State University in 1970. She continued her affiliation with the Golden Flashes after her coaching career ended, serving on the "Lessons from Legends" round table on women's athletics.
The Kent State Foundation has set up a memorial foundation in her name. The field hockey team also plans on honoring Coach Biles with a commemorative patch on their jerseys this season.
