Jean Freeman's impact could not be contained by a lifetime.
It is telling that while she transformed collegiate athletics at the University of Minnesota, it is her character that continues to resonate more than a decade since she died in 2010.
"I think you could ask anyone who knew her, both professionally and personally, it was a very unique, positive outlook on life," said Marie Meyer, her partner of eight years. "Always looked at the brighter side. She would help everybody, whoever she came in contact with."
That core element of Freeman, the desire to help others, was on display in 1972 when she graduated after swimming for Minnesota and stayed on as an assistant coach.
After that season she was asked to become head coach of the women's swimming program — and offered $50 for the role. Freeman agreed because she couldn't stand to see the team abandoned. During her first season in 1973-74, she would help Terry Ganley become the first female athlete at the U to earn All-America honors.
Freeman would stay on as coach for 31 years.
She recognized the need for holistic development early in her coaching career, helping athletes with organization and time management around school, serving almost in an academic adviser role, while creating a world-class athletic program.
Freeman led the Gophers to two Big Ten titles, coaching 58 All-Americas and, at the time of her retirement, she was the only female recipient of the National Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy — the highest honor in college swimming.
