Schrodt, Barbara ‘Bim’ (1929-2020)

The late Dr. Barbara Schrodt (1929-2020) had the distinction of being one of a select group of UBC Physical Education (Kinesiology) graduates to be inducted as an individual into both the UBC and British Columbia Sports Halls of Fame.

A 1951 graduate, ‘Bim’ was considered a true ‘Builder’ as a teacher, coach, historian and director of women’s athletics at UBC. ‘Bim’ played field hockey and swam for UBC during the late 1940’s, then while teaching in the School of Kinesiology (then Physical Education) she coached the UBC women’s field hockey team for eighteen years. Dr. Schrodt guided the Blue & Gold to six Canada West championships in her eight years in which UBC competed in the Western Canadian League. Her teams’ stellar record was passed on to her successor, Gail Wilson, as was a prized tradition, one that even today has a special place in UBC history.

In 1957/58 ‘Bim’ began to lay the foundation for the women’s athletic program at UBC. For the next six years, she served as Women’s Athletic Director, helping to develop opportunities for women.

Bim’s passion for field hockey saw her establish the BC Women’s Field Hockey Federation in 1966, when she drafted its constitution. She developed a handbook of regulations and procedures after which the national level was modelled. She was president of the Vancouver Women’s Field Hockey Association and founding director of the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Association. Her early efforts led to the establishment of a national umpiring certification still used today. All of these roles and actions had a lasting impact on the sport in this province and country.

She coached the gold medal BC Team at the 1973 Canada Games and umpired at four consecutive world championships. Dr. Schrodt launched the first publication on women’s field hockey, “Field Hockey for Women,” and edited the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Rules and Umpiring Guide.  Her teams’ celebrated record was passed on to her successor, Gail Wilson, and continues to hold a special place in UBC history.  She completed her PhD in Physical Education in 1979 at the University of Alberta.

Over the 40 plus years as a UBC player, coach, administrator and teacher it has been the game of field hockey, women’s athletics and students who were the beneficiaries of the work and dedication of Dr. Schrodt.