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Sue LemaireEnshrined: 2024
Country: United States Category: Referee |
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BIOGRAPHY
Sue Lemaire has carved out a remarkable legacy in the world of volleyball, not only through her exceptional refereeing skills but also by blazing a trail for women in the sport. Her pioneering spirit and dedication have opened doors for future generations, ensuring women have a strong presence in volleyball refereeing.
In 1983, Lemaire became the first female International Volleyball Referee certified by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), marking a significant milestone in the sport's history. Her groundbreaking achievement was just the beginning of a distinguished career that saw her refereeing at some of the most prestigious indoor volleyball events around the globe. Lemaire's expertise and professionalism earned her assignments at the 1987 Pan American Games, four World University Games, the 1993 Hong Kong Cup, and the 1994 Goodwill Games, where she refereed the women’s gold medal match. Her presence on the international stage not only showcased her talent but also paved the way for more women to enter the field of volleyball refereeing.
Lemaire’s contributions were not limited to the indoor game. She also became an International Beach Referee, bringing her skill set to the sands of the world’s most competitive beach volleyball tournaments. Her career highlights include refereeing at the World Beach Championships in 1997 and serving as a referee at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, where beach volleyball made its debut as an Olympic sport. Her ability to adapt and excel in both indoor and beach volleyball underscores her versatility and commitment to the game.
Within the United States, Lemaire was a key figure in collegiate volleyball, serving as a referee with both the pioneering Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and the NCAA. She refereed at ten AIAW national tournaments and eight NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championships, further establishing her reputation as one of the top referees in the country.
Beyond her work on the court, Lemaire contributed significantly to the development of volleyball and women’s sports through her service on various national and regional rules and policies committees including National Federation of State High School Associations, National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) and USA Volleyball. Her leadership and advocacy were recognized by USA Volleyball, which honored her with the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award and the Golden Whistle Award in 1985. Additionally, she received the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) Honor Award in 1987, further cementing her legacy as a leader in the sport.
For her trailblazing contributions to volleyball officiating and her enduring impact on the sport, we are proud to induct Sue Lemaire into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame as a referee.
In 1983, Lemaire became the first female International Volleyball Referee certified by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), marking a significant milestone in the sport's history. Her groundbreaking achievement was just the beginning of a distinguished career that saw her refereeing at some of the most prestigious indoor volleyball events around the globe. Lemaire's expertise and professionalism earned her assignments at the 1987 Pan American Games, four World University Games, the 1993 Hong Kong Cup, and the 1994 Goodwill Games, where she refereed the women’s gold medal match. Her presence on the international stage not only showcased her talent but also paved the way for more women to enter the field of volleyball refereeing.
Lemaire’s contributions were not limited to the indoor game. She also became an International Beach Referee, bringing her skill set to the sands of the world’s most competitive beach volleyball tournaments. Her career highlights include refereeing at the World Beach Championships in 1997 and serving as a referee at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, where beach volleyball made its debut as an Olympic sport. Her ability to adapt and excel in both indoor and beach volleyball underscores her versatility and commitment to the game.
Within the United States, Lemaire was a key figure in collegiate volleyball, serving as a referee with both the pioneering Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and the NCAA. She refereed at ten AIAW national tournaments and eight NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championships, further establishing her reputation as one of the top referees in the country.
Beyond her work on the court, Lemaire contributed significantly to the development of volleyball and women’s sports through her service on various national and regional rules and policies committees including National Federation of State High School Associations, National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) and USA Volleyball. Her leadership and advocacy were recognized by USA Volleyball, which honored her with the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award and the Golden Whistle Award in 1985. Additionally, she received the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) Honor Award in 1987, further cementing her legacy as a leader in the sport.
For her trailblazing contributions to volleyball officiating and her enduring impact on the sport, we are proud to induct Sue Lemaire into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame as a referee.
