There have been several dynasty programs in Division III women’s lacrosse since the NCAA began its championship era in 1985. Trenton State (now College of New Jersey), Middlebury, Salisbury and Gettysburg have all had runs at the top of the class, but one program often overlooked is Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa.
The rich history of Bears’ lacrosse may not have the widespread recognition of those other programs, but game historians are well aware of its accomplishments. In fact, prior to the NCAA era, Ursinus was probably as successful as virtually any program in the country.
Under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Marge Watson, the Bears enjoyed seven undefeated seasons, an incredible 199-19-9 record and a .896 winning percentage during Watson’s 25-year run as head coach from 1957-81.
But the success didn’t end with Watson’s retirement.
One of her former players, Betsy Meng Ramsey, a 1978 graduate, returned to her alma mater in 1983, serving initially as an assistant coach and then taking over as the head coach the following year. The success was instant.
Under Ramsey’s leadership, the Bears captured the 1984 USWLA national championship, and the following year, finished as national runner-up in the inaugural NCAA D-III championship. Ramsey then piloted Ursinus to its first NCAA title in 1986, and another one in 1989, sandwiched around another runner-up finish in 1987.
All told, Ramsey led the Bears to three national championships, two runner-up finishes, and 81 wins in six seasons as head coach, stepping down following the 1989 season. She was twice named the IWLCA Coach of the Year, in 1984 & 1986.
In recognition of her achievements, Ramsey now becomes the newest member of the Ursinus family to join the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, being officially inducted on January 11 as a truly great coach. She becomes the 11th Hall of Fame member with a connection to Ursinus.
“We were fortunate that we had knowledgeable players and players who were very coachable, so that when we presented something to them, they were all ears and they were eager to perform,” Ramsey said. “So that certainly helped with our run.”
The fact that Ursinus’ transition from Division I to Division III was relatively new at the time meant that the schedule was still loaded with top tier opponents during Ramsey’s tenure.
“We were still playing half of our schedule against D-1 schools, like Temple, Delaware, and Penn State, but we could compete with these teams and hold our own,” Ramsey said.
Devin Murphy, a member of the 1984 and 1986 championship teams, credits Ramsey’s leadership for the continued success of the Bears’ program.
“We all know about the enormous career Marge had at Ursinus, and Betsy stepped in without any qualms about taking over that role,” Murphy said. “And just look at what she did. Betsy didn't blink an eye. She was the perfect candidate to take over. She just knew how to win. She was a winner in everything.”
The decision to leave Ursinus in 1989 was not an easy one for Ramsey, but necessary for the benefit of her growing young family. She transitioned from the college ranks into high school coaching.
“That was a big decision to leave Ursinus because I loved my job there, but I was raising a family and my children were my priority,” she said. “I did miss college coaching, but it was the step I needed to make for my children.”
Ramsey’s time as head coach at Ursinus may have been short, but it was certainly impactful.
“We made it to the national tournament every season and won three national championships,” she said. “Yeah, was a short run, but it was a sweet run. It is fun to win.”
Tickets for the induction ceremony at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel are available for online purchase at www.usalacrosse.com/HOF.
