Groundbreaking former women's coach Pittman dies

Anne Pittman, a trailblazing coach who headed the Arizona State women's tennis program for 30 years, died this week in Tempe after suffering a stroke. She was 90.

A member of ASU's Hall of Distinction, Pittman guided ASU to a 338-71 record from 1954 through 1984 and led the Sun Devils to USLTA national championships in 1971, '72 and '74.

In 1995, Pittman was selected as one of the charter members - and only coach - into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Women's Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame. Current Sun Devils coach Sheila McInerney, who was on the nominating committee that year, said, "Anne was basically a pioneer. She was in the forefront of women's tennis. With her credentials, she won hands down."

One of the more decorated players of Pittman's tenure, Peggy Michel, went on to win a Wimbledon doubles title in 1974.

During Pittman's tenure, women's tennis coach was considered a volunteer position. She lobbied to make it a paid, full-time position for her successor and refused to retire until funding was approved during the 1983-84 season.