Marie Mizelle

 

Inducted 1987

 

From 1972 to 1983, Marie was a driving force behind youth softball in the City of Chesapeake.  When she started coaching 1972, Chesapeake had no divisions for girls’ play or any organizations to help build the girls’ program.  Seeing the need for equality, she helped set up the first divisions for girls’ softball.  Through many long hours of work, Marie headed parents’ groups that set out to raise funds for the girls and, over the years, they raised some $65,000.  In less than two years, Marie helped to set girls’ softball off to new heights and, in 1974, the Mayor of Chesapeake came out to the opening day ceremonies.  Over the years, Marie served as the President of the Great Bridge Girls’ Softball Association for three years, coached for eleven years, was a fundraiser for thirteen years and, in 1975, got Chesapeake included in ASA softball.  This move put Chesapeake on the National map with the Great Bridge Aristocats being ranked in the top 10 in America for four straight years.