Lynn Imergoot, associate director of intramurals and club sports and former women’s tennis coach, died July 24, 2009, from injuries sustained in a car accident. Imergoot was 60.
Imergoot — the first head coach in WUSTL’s women’s tennis history — built the women’s tennis program from ground level into a national contender.
In 30 seasons (1975-2005) as head coach of the Bears, she tabulated a career record of 435-164 (.726). Imergoot, a five-time University Athletic Association Coach of the Year, guided Washington University to seven NCAA tournament appearances.
In addition to her tennis duties, Imergoot served as director of women’s and co-ed intramurals from 1973-79, as coordinator of women’s athletics from 1977-1984, and as assistant athletic director from 1984-2005.
“Lynn was a leader in building women’s athletics,” said John Schael, director of athletics. “She not only coached great teams, she helped pave the way for women to excel in sports through her example and her determination.”
Imergoot received the Rita “Slats” Meyer Moellering Memorial Award from the St. Louis Sports Commission and was named the National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletic Administrators District Five Administrator of the Year.
Before WUSTL, Imergoot taught at White Plains High School in New York from 1970-72, coaching the girls’ tennis team.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Lehman College in 1969, where she lettered three years in tennis, four years in field hockey and two years in basketball. In 1970, Imergoot earned a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Imergoot is survived by two children, Douglas and Jennifer; granddaughter Tamia, 9; and her sister Amy Kossak.
A memorial service has been set for 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at Graham Chapel.
Memorial contributions made be made in memory of Imergoot to the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146, Attention: Tributes.