Milwaukee Athletics is mourning the loss of Erika Sander, a pivotal figure in the history of the university’s women’s basketball program. Sander, who was the first head coach for Milwaukee women’s basketball, passed away unexpectedly earlier this month.
“Erika was a fierce advocate for women student-athletes and a trailblazer here at UWM,” stated Amanda Braun, Director of Athletics. “Anyone who met her knows what a force she was. I will miss seeing her at Panther events and will be forever grateful for the path she created for those of us who came behind her.”
Kyle Rechlicz, current women’s basketball head coach, also shared his memories: “Erika was one of the first Panthers to welcome me with open arms 13 years ago. Her pride for Milwaukee both as an athletic department and university was unmatched. I have great memories of her at our games, golf outings, and the many lunches in between. I will forever appreciate her sarcastic honesty and her belief in me as a coach and our program.”
Born in 1941, Sander became a pioneer for women’s sports at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee when she started the women’s basketball program ahead of the 1971-72 season while serving as an assistant professor in physical education. She coached for five years and played a significant role as essentially the women’s athletic director during that time. Under Title IX, she helped introduce gymnastics, fast-pitch softball, field hockey, and volleyball to the university’s sports offerings.
Even after her coaching tenure ended, Sander remained actively involved with Milwaukee’s athletics community over the past 50 years as a dedicated fan and supporter.
