A St. Cloud State University professor and former coach has been recognized for her work in helping break barriers in providing equity in sports for girls and women of all ages.
Dr. Paula U’Ren, a professor and chairperson of SCSU’s Department of Kinesiology and former SCSU Softball head coach, was honored with the Breaking Barriers Award by National Girls & Women in Sports Day — Minnesota.
The Breaking Barriers Award is annually given to an individual who has successfully torn down barriers to provide opportunities in sports for girls and women of all races, ages and levels of ability. Since 1995, more than 600 individuals, teams and organizations in Minnesota have been recognized for their contributions, inspirations and advocacy for equity in girls and women’s sports.
Prior to her retirement from coaching in 2021, Dr. U’Ren spent 26 years as head coach of Huskies Softball, helping develop successful student-athletes both on and off the field while leading her players to countless NCAA appearances and producing record-breaking achievements for women in sports.
Dr. U’Ren continues to serve as an advocate for girls and women in sport to this day while impacting the lives of SCSU students, student-athletes and graduate assistants throughout campus.
As the recipient of the Breaking Barriers Award, Dr. U’Ren will be among those recognized at the National Girls & Women in Sports Day — Minnesota celebration on Feb. 7.
