University of Toronto Athletics

A monumental step in women’s athletics was taken in 1905 with the formation of the women’s Toronto University Athletic League. The league executive spearheaded a constitution that was written with a focus “…to promote sports in the Colleges of the University of Toronto and to make friendly competition possible.”

Even more impressive is the foresight of the resolution in the constitution that set out, “…that from various teams in hockey, basketball, tennis, etc., it will be possible to form a University Team to play other Universities.” The groundwork for U of T’s first Varsity competition was now begun.

The constitution was drawn up and agreed upon by an Executive that included Miss Margaret Proctor of Victoria College, the first President; Vice-President, Miss M. Houston of University College; and Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Frances Endacott of St. Hilda’s College. At the second executive meeting, Mrs. Ramsey Wright was named Honorary President of the League, Mrs. N.W. Rowell was named the first Honorary Vice-President and Miss Landon Wright was added as the Second Honorary Vice-President.

This executive instituted the first trophy for women’s tennis competition and just two meetings later added a paper-chase and the “advisability of playing matches in basketball.”

The 1905 Women’s Athletic League Executive rightfully earned the honour of being the pioneers of all future Varsity and Inter-Faculty women’s athletics at the University of Toronto.