2006 Bunn Award winner passes away at 68
The basketball community lost the first executive director of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and 2000 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Betty Jaynes, on Monday.
“We are very saddened to hear the news of Betty Jaynes’ passing," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "She made a huge impact in the world of women’s basketball and had all the qualities of a true leader. Our condolences go out to her family and friends during this time.”
Jaynes also coached at Madison College, now known as James Madison, from 1970-82 and was awarded the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 by the Basketball Hall of Fame. During her time with the WBCA, she played a major role in helping women’s basketball develop and expand the association to more than 3,000 members. Referred to as “Jump Shot” by some of her closest friends, Jaynes was a pioneer in the fight for giving women’s basketball coaches and those in the profession a voice. She was also the tournament director for the 1975 AIAW Large College National Basketball Championships, the first major championship game sellout in women’s basketball.