Edwina Qualls February 19, 2024

The vibrant spirit that was Edwina Qualls, departed from us and ascended into heaven on February 19,

2024, marking the end of her earthly journey. Born on August 6, 1947, in New Haven, Connecticut, Edwina was the youngest child of Ollie and Virginia Qualls, known fondly as “Binky.” She was 76 years old at the time of her passing.

Edwina’s life was a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Growing up the youngest of seven children, she always had a passion for sports and anything that involved running. As such, she embarked on her educational journey at Southern Connecticut State College, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education.

Edwina would later become a trailblazer in women’s basketball, first as the coach of girls’ basketball at Richard C. Lee High School in New Haven where she achieved an 82-15 coaching record, won the Class L State Championship and was selected “Coach of the Year” by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. At the same time, she served as an assistant basketball coach at Yale University under her guiding mentor the late Louise O’Neal, all the while, pursuing her master’s degree at her alma mater because a master’s was needed to achieve her dream of coaching at the collegiate level.

Edwina would go on to make history as the first Black women’s basketball coach in the Big Ten Conference, the oldest collegiate Division I athletic conference in the United States, where she led the University of Wisconsin Badgers from 1976 to 1986. Her tenure as a coach not only showcased her tactical brilliance but also her unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s sports. Edwina’s influence extended far beyond the basketball court; she played a pivotal role in advocating for equality in athletics, contributing significantly to the enactment and promotion of Title IX, which granted women athletes the right to equal opportunities in sports.

Edwina eventually left her sports life behind to assume caregiver responsibility for her mother Virginia until her passing in 1994. Edwina has been described by many as having a “servant’s heart”. Her desire to give to others was tantamount to who she was in life. Always the energizer bunny (smile), in her senior’s community, she would go to great lengths to make sure her friends felt seen and assisted them with errands, deliveries and even making sure the right food and beverages were amassed for the most recent Super Bowl party. Edwina was the life of that party.

Edwina was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Bernamer Qualls and Yvonne Qualls Whitaker and her brother Michael Qualls.

Edwina is survived by her devoted brothers, Kenneth Qualls and Nathan Qualls; her loving sister, Geraldine Qualls Hines; sisters-in-law Marlene Qualls and Barbara Qualls; and her aunt, Dr. Joan Qualls McMorris, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Edwina’s impact on the lives she touched will endure as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for generations to come.

As we bid farewell to Edwina Qualls, may her memory be a blessing, and may her soul find eternal peace in the embrace of God’s arms. Though she may be gone, her spirit will forever dwell in the hearts of those who were privileged to know and love her.