Talkin’ Illini: Becky Beach
Six-time letter winner Becky Beach ’82 AHS on playing for the Illini in the 1970s
Becky Beach (Image courtesy of UI Athletics) Six-time letter winner Becky Beach ’82 AHS on playing for the Illini in the 1970s
How did Title IX, which opened up athletics to women in 1972, impact your life?
I wouldn’t say it was a dream come true because the possibility of playing sports never entered my mind. It was just the beginning, but it was a lot of fun, and I got a tuition waiver at the University. Now I’m an assistant golf pro [at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club in Champaign, Ill.].
You lettered three times in both golf and basketball. How did you get so good without a lot of early athletic experiences?
I played with the kids on the block. And my dad, Ted Beach ’51 AHS [two-time UI letter winner in golf], played golf.
Best UI sports memories?
Making lifetime friendships with my teammates. We had a great time.
