Inducted August 19, 2015
In 1981, a standout student athlete from B & B High School (Baileyville, KS), Thelma Schmitz Strathman chose to continue her academic and athletic careers at Highland Community College.
Strathman enriched her talent in both volleyball and basketball under the leadership of veteran coaches Batchelder and Allen. Her athletic ability and team leadership helped pave the way for both programs to continue Scottie success. The 1981-82 basketball team recorded a 21-9 season. The 1982-83 volleyball team went 21-13, winning the
NJCAA Region VI Independent Volleyball Tournament, and Thelma received selection to the NJCAA Region VI Volleyball Team. Academically, Strathman was a NJCAA Academic All American both years, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honorary Scholastic Society, plus a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges.
In 1983, Strathman continued her athletic and academic careers at Kansas State University. She was a member of Kansas State University’s volleyball team and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.
Strathman’s career as a volleyball coach and math instructor has been recognized with the following accomplishments:
• Chosen as Kansas Volleyball Association’s 1A Volleyball Program of the Year
• Kansas Volleyball Coaches’ 400 Win Club
• Coaching State/College Post Season All Star Matches
• Kansas Governor’s Scholars Teacher of Influence Award
• Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
Strathman comments, “with a wonderful coach, a great group of teammates, and the support of the entire Highland community, I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience.”
