Laying the Foundation: Ann Pitts joins OSU Hall of Honor after 60 Years in Stillwater

STILLWATER, Okla. – Forty-eight years of success, 47 All-Americans, 25 conference titles, a decorated class of professionals and much, much more make up what Cowgirl golf is today.

Ann Pitts laid out the vision and set the table for this prestigious program. On Friday evening – she will join a family like no other.

Joining an elite group of 71, Pitts will be one-of-six members inducted into the Oklahoma State University Athletics Hall of Honor's class of 2023.

For Pitts, her journey to the Hall spans over 60 years.

Born in Shawnee and raised in Tulsa at the age of two, Pitts joined the Cowboy family as a member of the OSU cheer team in her freshman and sophomore years. In 1961, she crossed the stage in Stillwater, earning a bachelor's degree in business education.

Pitts returned to campus in the '70s to obtain her master's degree in physical education when her life, and Oklahoma State, would change forever.

Starting from roots as a club sport, Pitts founded the OSU women's golf program, serving as its first head coach in 1976. Her impact was immediate and lasted for future generations.

In just her second season at the helm, OSU brought home its first conference title in the Big Eight, planting the seeds for a prolific career. In her 24 years as head coach, she grew the Cowgirl golf program and watched it bloom.

Over her 24-year tenure, Pitts' leadership was on full display. The Cowgirls brought home 15 conference titles, 15 NCAA Championship appearances – including six top-10 finishes and third-place finishes in 1982 and 1989 – five AIAW Championship appearances, 56 career wins and back-to-back Big 12 Player of the Year honors in 1997-98 and 1998-99. Upon her host of accolades, she also played a pivotal role in athlete success, both on-and-off the course.

Pitts coached up 19 All-Americans with Oklahoma State, including Robin Hood, Eva Dahllof, Marnie McGuire, Stephanie Martin and Maria Boden. She also helped guide a dozen Cowgirls to becoming NGCA/WGCA All-American scholars and paved the way for many players to transition into the professional ranks.

On April 9, 1999, Pitts stood beside her former player Val Skinner as she took her step into the Oklahoma State University Athletics Hall of Honor. This Friday, Pitts will take to the event again – but this time – she will be the one taking her step into the Hall.

Forty-eight years of success, 31 All-Americans, 25 conference titles, a prestigious class of professionals and much, much more make up what Cowgirl golf is today. Ann Pitts set the blueprint for success in Stillwater, and her efforts will now forever be on display.

Ann Pitts' Accolades at Oklahoma State (1976-2000):

All-American Selections
Val Skinner (1980, 1982)
Janice Burba (1982)
Yoshiko Ito (1985)
Robin Hood (1986, 1987)
Eva Dahllof (1987, 1988, 1989)
Marnie McGuire (1990)
Carolyn McKenzie (1990)
Charlotta Eliasson (1991, 1994)
Arantxa Sison (1992)
Stephanie Martin (1992, 1993)
Jenny Bartley (1997)
Maria Bodén (1999, 2000)

Conference Titles
1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999

NCAA Championship Appearances
1982 – 3rd place
1984 – Robin Hood, 21st place individually
1985 – Yoshito Ito, 62nd place individually
1986 – 10th place
1987 – 6th place
1988 – 12th place
1989 – 3rd place
1990 – 16th place
1991 – Charlotta Eliasson, 37th place individually
Stephanie Martin, 25th place individually
1992 – 7th place
1993 – Stephanie Martin, 57th place individually
1994 – 10th place
1995 – 44th place individually
1998 – Maria Bodén, 34th place individually
1999 – 12th place
2000 – Maria Bodén, 10th place individually

AIAW Championship Appearances
1978 – Tied for 23rd
1979 – 12th-place
1980 – 16th-place
1981 – 13th-place
1982 – 9th-place

NGCA/WGCA All-American Scholars
Yoshito Ito (1985)
Sara Killeen (1985, 1986, 1987)
Stephanie Martin (1991, 1992, 1993)
Charlotta Eliasson (1993, 1994)
Amy Weeks (1995)
Natasha Rowe (1998)
Maria Bodén (2000)
JoAnn Heller (2000)
Emma Zackrisson (2000)

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Laying the Foundation: Ann Pitts joins OSU Hall of Honor after 60 Years in Stillwater

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