Gifted On The Greens: The Gladys Lee Story.
Gifted on the Greens: The Gladys Lee Story. A Part of the Trilogy of Her Story Series
Coach Gladys Lee is a name synonymous with excellence, determination, and the transformative power of sports. A pioneer in the world of golf, Coach Lee’s extraordinary journey will be celebrated as part of the Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers in Fort Worth exhibition at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. This landmark series will honor the legacies of three remarkable women from Fort Worth—Coach Gladys Lee, Beatrice Pringle, and Mary Francine Reese Morrison—whose contributions reshaped their communities and opened doors for future generations.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Coach Gladys Lee developed her passion for golf at a time when the sport offered few opportunities for Black athletes. Despite systemic barriers, Lee’s natural talent, perseverance, and unyielding commitment to excellence propelled her to the top of the sport, earning her recognition as one of the most accomplished golfers in Fort Worth’s history.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
Coach Gladys Lee’s career is a testament to her determination to break down barriers. Competing in an era when access to golf courses and tournaments was limited for Black players, she overcame adversity to win multiple championships and gain respect as both an athlete and a trailblazer. Her success on the greens was matched by her dedication to opening doors for others, particularly young athletes of color.
As an LPGA coach, Lee became a mentor to countless young golfers, instilling in them the skills, discipline, and confidence to excel on the course and in life. Her proteges have gone on to achieve national and international acclaim, but her impact extends far beyond their trophies and accolades. She created a legacy of empowerment by ensuring that the next generation of golfers had access to the resources and mentorship that she had to fight to attain.
“She taught us more than golf,” one former student recalled. “She taught us how to face challenges with grace, how to persevere through adversity, and how to believe in ourselves even when others didn’t.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Coach Gladys Lee’s mantra, “Gifted to Grow Golf,” reflects her lifelong mission to expand opportunities for young athletes, especially girls of color, in a sport that historically excluded them. She championed diversity and inclusion in golf, advocating for equitable access to training facilities, tournaments, and mentorship programs.
Her influence reached beyond the fairways of Fort Worth, inspiring communities and challenging the status quo. Through her coaching, advocacy, and mentorship, she not only transformed lives but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive future in the sport of golf.
Celebrating Her Legacy
Coach Gladys Lee’s story will take center stage at the Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers in Fort Worth exhibition, running from March to June 2025. This exhibition will highlight her achievements alongside those of Beatrice Pringle, the first Black female publisher of a major publishing company, and Mary Francine Reese Morrison, a gospel singer renowned for her powerful voice and unwavering faith. Together, these three women represent the resilience, innovation, and strength of Fort Worth’s Black community.
Adding to her legacy, Coach Lee will be inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame on February 28 and March 1, 2025, in Dallas. This honor recognizes her groundbreaking achievements in sports and her profound impact on generations of athletes and coaches.
Inspiration for Generations
Coach Gladys Lee’s life and career exemplify the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative impact of breaking barriers. Her story inspires not only athletes but anyone striving to create a better and more inclusive world.
Congratulations to Coach Gladys Lee for a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and service. Your legacy will continue to inspire and empower for generations to come.
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