US Sailing’s very own Adult Director, Betsy Alison, was inducted into the Tufts University Athletics Hall of Fame this year. The ceremony took place at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Friday, June 7.
In 1981, Alison broke barriers as Tufts University’s first female All-American in sailing, distinguishing herself as a formidable collegiate skipper in both single- and double-handed events. Her leadership as a three-year captain at Tufts was instrumental in propelling the team to a second-place finish at the College Nationals in 1981. During her college years, Alison clinched two U.S. Women’s Single-handed Championships (1979 and 1981), secured a third-place finish at the World Championships, and earned her first Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award as a senior.
Post-graduation, Alison’s sailing career soared as she earned an additional four Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year awards and amassed nine world titles across various classes and dedicated over 20 years to coaching the U.S. Paralympic team. In recognition of her contributions and achievements, she was the sole female inductee in the inaugural class of the U.S. National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Betsy was the strongest and most determined and driven athlete I have ever had the privilege of coaching,” said the late Ken Legler, Tufts’ longtime sailing coach. Reflecting on her senior year, he noted her unique commitment to enhancing her core strength by taking up shot put in the off-season and her advantage of being coached by the legendary Joe Duplin for her first three years, followed by Legler in her final year for technical mastery.
Alison’s legacy as a competitor and coach continues to inspire, marking her as a pioneering force in the world of sailing. 