Myra Hudson Baumgardner

Myra Hudson Baumgardner is a native of Concord, North Carolina. The 2009 Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame inductee was a three-sport athlete who was recognized for her accomplishments in basketball and volleyball.

Baumgardner served as a hitter for the Wasps volleyball team, which she captained in 1971 and 1972. Under her leadership, the 1971 Emory & Henry volleyball team took the Virginia State Championship in all divisions, defeating the likes of James Madison University, William & Mary, and South Carolina State University.

Baumgardner also played four years of varsity basketball, serving as a captain her senior year. In addition to volleyball and basketball, Baumgardner took her talents to the tennis court, where she also held a captain’s position.

Baumgardner began a career in teaching and coaching after her graduation from Emory & Henry. She was awarded conference volleyball Coach of the Year in 1977 during her time at Lynn View High School in Kingsport, Tennessee. After moving to North Carolina, she was awarded basketball Coach of the Year in 1979-1980 in Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. Her coaching again received recognition in 1990 and 1991, when she was awarded Coach of the Year for Volleyball in the South Piedmont Conference.