University of Mary Athletics

Betsy Emerson enrolled at Mary College in 1982, after graduating from Beach High. This outstanding athlete from Beach went on to become the Lady Marauder’s all-time career scoring leader on the basketball court with 1798 points. She is still the all-time leader in career assists with 668 and the all-time leader in career steals with 376. Emerson led her teams to a 67-44 record during her years, winning the conference in 1982, 1983, and 1986, and the District 2 Championship in 1983, as well as a runner-up spot in 1986.

Success followed Emerson to the track, too. She was a three-time national meet qualifier in hurdles and high jump and school records in both events. It was only this past year that her records were broken by Mandan native, Mandy Schroeder. Graduating in 1986 with degrees in physical education and math/science, Emerson went onto pursue her master’s degree at North Dakota State University.

In 1989, Emerson was named the head coach at Luther College and quickly developed an upper echelon program in the Iowa Conference and nationally, earning conference coach of the year honors and regional indoor and outdoor honors.