Martha T. Thorn

Martha T. Thorn was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2006.

Thorn earned her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in 1959 and her master’s degree in health and physical education from West Virginia University in 1963. She began her career teaching and coaching at Milford High School in Delaware before returning to WVU as director of intramural sports, graduate assistant, and instructor while completing her graduate studies.

In 1973, Thorn became the first head coach of the WVU women’s tennis team, a position she held until 2000. She was one of the first three coaches of intercollegiate women’s athletics at WVU following the passage of Title IX. During her 27-year tenure, Thorn led the program to 315 total wins and helped guide WVU to a Top Five Big East Team award. In 1999, she became the fourth coach in WVU history to surpass 300 career victories in any sport. Her 1986 team earned the program’s first 20-win season and a runner-up finish in the Atlantic 10 Conference. She also coached several All-Atlantic 10 performers, including 1992 A-10 Senior of the Year Jo Marie Cinco.

In addition to her coaching duties, Thorn served as an assistant professor and lecturer in the School of Physical Education. She held leadership and advisory roles on numerous national, regional, and University committees, including the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, Atlantic 10 and Big East conference committees, and WVU’s Council for Women’s Concerns. Her service extended to the local community through her volunteer work with the Girl Scouts, YMCA, and Monongalia Riding for the Handicapped Association.

Thorn’s legacy is honored through the Martha Thorn Invitational, WVU’s fall tennis tournament renamed in her honor, and a team award established in her name in 1997. 

She passed away in April 2021 at the age of 83.