It is with great sadness that the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education announces the passing away of Emerita, Phyllis Barbara ‘Bim’ Schrodt (1929-2020) at the age of 91.
Dr. Schrodt played field hockey and swam for UBC during the late 1940s, graduating in 1951 and earning her Bachelor of Physical Education. She taught in the Physical Education Faculty, and coached the UBC women’s field hockey team for eighteen years. She lead women’s field hockey as a coach, umpire, manager, and administrator.
Dr. Schrodt laid the foundation for the women’s athletic program at UBC in 1957-58 and served as Women’s Athletic Director for six years developing opportunities for women. Dr. Schrodt had a passion for field hockey and established the BC Women’s Field Hockey Federation in 1966, drafting its constitution. She developed a handbook of regulations and procedures for which the national level modeled. 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. Dr. Schrodt led the Blue & Gold to six Canada West championships in the eight years in which UBC competed in the Western Canadian League. 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.
Dr. Schrodt spent 40 plus years as a UBC player, coach, administrator and teacher and the game of field hockey, women’s athletics, and students continue to be the beneficiaries of her work and dedication. Dr. Schrodt was chair for the Vancouver Centennial Celebrations of Women’s Field Hockey in 1996, and was inducted into both the UBC and British Columbia Sports Halls of Fame. Details of Dr. Schrodt’s incredible career are captured here. Our deepest condolences to the Schrodt family, and friends.
UBC will hold a flag lowering in her honour.