Husky Legend Edean Ihlanfeldt Passes Away at Age 90
April 28, 2020 | Women's Golf
A pillar in the world of golf and the first woman to run the University of Washington golf program, Edean Ihlanfeldt passed away this week at the age of 90 with her family by her side.
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"I cannot begin to describe how larger than life Edean was," said head coach Mary Lou Mulflur. "I had the great privilege to play for her in the early years of Washington golf. She displayed a passion for golf, people and laughter that was beyond measure. Oh, how we all loved her laughter! She was a mentor to me up until shortly before she passed away. The lessons she taught me and countless other Husky golfers are immeasurable. As a coach, I never stopped learning from her. Edean's wisdom and knowledge about the game was more than anyone could fathom. I have said many times; Edean has forgotten more about golf than any of us will ever know. I will always hold close to my heart the times I was lucky enough to spend with her as well as the memories of her that continue to make me smile. That is what I will remember most; the way she was always able to make people smile and feel as if they were the most important person alive."
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"Edean was an absolute force, and a true pioneer for women's golf in the Pacific Northwest and at the University of Washington," said University of Washington Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen. "As the Huskies first head coach, she set the tone for a championship culture. Β Throughout the years, Edean remained a loyal advocate for women's golf, and our Huskies were reminded by her impact each year by playing in the tournament bearing her name. I will never forget seeing her reunite with our 2016 National Championship team and Coach Mulflur the day they arrived back on campus, trophy in hand. The smile on her face said it allβ her dreams and vision for Husky women's golf had come true. We will miss Edean's competitive spirit, quick-witted humor and passion for the sport she loved so dearly."
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Ihlanfeldt founded the women's golf team in 1974 and during her time at the helm of the Huskies, never accepted a salary, instead putting the money back into the program. She was also inducted into the UW Hall of Fame in 1989.
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During her time with the Dawgs, three of Ihlanfeldt's teams and five individuals qualified for the AIAW championships. The Huskies were the only northwest team to qualify for nationals during her time on Montlake. Β She was also the mentor to current head coach Mary Lou Mulflur.
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Following her time at UW as the leader of the team, the Huskies started an annual tournament in her namesake to honor her impact on the program which started over 30 years ago.
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Originally from Helena, Montana, Ihlanfeldt got her start in golfing in 1944 at the age of 14 where she won the first of six straight Montana Women's State Amateur Championships. She won her first Pacific Northwest Golf Association title in 1949 and continued with victories at the 1952 Canadian Women's Amateur and 1953 Women's Trans-Mississippi Amateur.
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She swept the Northwest's Grand Slam in 1962 following wins in the PNGA, SWGA and WSWGA all in one season. During her career, Edean won the PNGA Women's Amateur five times and the PNGA Senior Women's Amateur three times. Among other titles she owned was the 1982 U.S. Senior Women's Amateur and she was instrumental in bringing that tournament to Seattle in 1997.
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Quotes from Husky Alumni:
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"I'm so thankful that I was able to see her last year. She has left her mark on all of us and is definitely one of a kind."
Tarie (Pharr) Bennett
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"I still have lots of messages from Edean on my phone. I like to listen to her voice. Edean was one of the greatest influences in my life!"
Patti Marquis
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"She's leaving an amazing legacy and her spirit will live on through Husky golf."
Emily Martin
Β
"Edean is one of a kind. Simply the best and has one of the sharpest wits I have ever known."
Greta (Thompson) Sangder
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"During my brief stint as a college coach I always thought of Edean as the model. Coach like Edean! Respect is earned, and once earned is powerful. Make it fun and light always, and don't be afraid to let others see your own humanity."
Robin Walton
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"I cannot begin to describe how larger than life Edean was," said head coach Mary Lou Mulflur. "I had the great privilege to play for her in the early years of Washington golf. She displayed a passion for golf, people and laughter that was beyond measure. Oh, how we all loved her laughter! She was a mentor to me up until shortly before she passed away. The lessons she taught me and countless other Husky golfers are immeasurable. As a coach, I never stopped learning from her. Edean's wisdom and knowledge about the game was more than anyone could fathom. I have said many times; Edean has forgotten more about golf than any of us will ever know. I will always hold close to my heart the times I was lucky enough to spend with her as well as the memories of her that continue to make me smile. That is what I will remember most; the way she was always able to make people smile and feel as if they were the most important person alive."
Β
"Edean was an absolute force, and a true pioneer for women's golf in the Pacific Northwest and at the University of Washington," said University of Washington Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen. "As the Huskies first head coach, she set the tone for a championship culture. Β Throughout the years, Edean remained a loyal advocate for women's golf, and our Huskies were reminded by her impact each year by playing in the tournament bearing her name. I will never forget seeing her reunite with our 2016 National Championship team and Coach Mulflur the day they arrived back on campus, trophy in hand. The smile on her face said it allβ her dreams and vision for Husky women's golf had come true. We will miss Edean's competitive spirit, quick-witted humor and passion for the sport she loved so dearly."
Β
Ihlanfeldt founded the women's golf team in 1974 and during her time at the helm of the Huskies, never accepted a salary, instead putting the money back into the program. She was also inducted into the UW Hall of Fame in 1989.
Β
During her time with the Dawgs, three of Ihlanfeldt's teams and five individuals qualified for the AIAW championships. The Huskies were the only northwest team to qualify for nationals during her time on Montlake. Β She was also the mentor to current head coach Mary Lou Mulflur.
Β
Following her time at UW as the leader of the team, the Huskies started an annual tournament in her namesake to honor her impact on the program which started over 30 years ago.
Β
Originally from Helena, Montana, Ihlanfeldt got her start in golfing in 1944 at the age of 14 where she won the first of six straight Montana Women's State Amateur Championships. She won her first Pacific Northwest Golf Association title in 1949 and continued with victories at the 1952 Canadian Women's Amateur and 1953 Women's Trans-Mississippi Amateur.
Β
She swept the Northwest's Grand Slam in 1962 following wins in the PNGA, SWGA and WSWGA all in one season. During her career, Edean won the PNGA Women's Amateur five times and the PNGA Senior Women's Amateur three times. Among other titles she owned was the 1982 U.S. Senior Women's Amateur and she was instrumental in bringing that tournament to Seattle in 1997.
Β
Quotes from Husky Alumni:
Β
"I'm so thankful that I was able to see her last year. She has left her mark on all of us and is definitely one of a kind."
Tarie (Pharr) Bennett
Β
"I still have lots of messages from Edean on my phone. I like to listen to her voice. Edean was one of the greatest influences in my life!"
Patti Marquis
Β
"She's leaving an amazing legacy and her spirit will live on through Husky golf."
Emily Martin
Β
"Edean is one of a kind. Simply the best and has one of the sharpest wits I have ever known."
Greta (Thompson) Sangder
Β
"During my brief stint as a college coach I always thought of Edean as the model. Coach like Edean! Respect is earned, and once earned is powerful. Make it fun and light always, and don't be afraid to let others see your own humanity."
Robin Walton
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