Elise "Lee" Harney - Legacy 2003

Lee was the heart and soul of women's physical education and athletic program at Ann Arbor High/Pioneer High School for twenty years.  In the last several years of her career she assumed double duty as physical education teacher, department chair for half a day and system wide coordinator of physical education for the remainder of the day.  Under Lee's leadership, the Girl's Athletic Association (GAA) became a model for the state and provided the foundation for the interscholastic athletic program for women that we enjoy today.

 

Though she was reluctant to discuss it, Lee Harney was a world-class athlete.  She played competitive women's baseball ("A League of Our Own") and softball for many  years and was proficient in all sports.  Late in her career, a colleague who was really into golf invited Lee out to the links.  Somewhat hesitant, not having p[layer in many years, Lee accepted the invitation and borrowed a set of clubs.  After floundering for a few holes, she found her game, booming drives 230 yards down the middle of the fairway, and the was history.

Lee passed away in the early 90's and is sorely  missed by her many friends, colleagues and former students.