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Nanette Marie Harvey

Born: 1957
Death: 2003

Nannette "Nan" Harvey served the University at Buffalo Bulls for almost 30 years, first as a student-athlete then as a coach and finally as an athletics administrator.

Harvey spent much of her time as a student at UB dedicated to the athletics department. While an undergrad, Harvey played on the varsity basketball and volleyball squads, serving at the women's basketball team captain in 1976-1977. She received her B.S. in Physical Education in 1978 and later a Masters of Education in Exercise Science with an emphasis on the psychology of sport in 1988.

Harvey had an extensive background as a player, coach, and official in major fast-pitch (and slow-pitch) softball. She played on the Buffalo Breskis and Buffalo Sunbirds teams (affiliated with the Amateur Softball Association). A certified ASA official, Harvey later coached the Sunbirds.

In 1996 she was named Amateur Softball Association Metro Buffalo Umpire of the year.

Harvey coached the UB's newly-created varsity softball team from 1983-1985. In 1985 her team won the SUNYAC championship and competed in the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament. That same year, Harvey won the SUNYAC Coach of the Year award. Harvey served as head coach of the women's basketball team from 1985-1990 and later as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for both the men's and women's basketball teams.

She later served UB's Division of Athletics department as Assistant and Associate Athletics Director and as Senior Woman Administrator. Harvey also served on the NCAA Division I Softball Committee. A great supporter of Title IX, the women's athletics programs (and opportunities for women) at UB increased dramatically during her tenure.

Harvey was inducted into both the National Indicator Fraternity of the ASA Hall of Fameand the Western New York Softball Hall of Fame in 1996.

Nan Harvey passed away September 2, 2003 after a long battle with cancer. Her courage and strength were admired by so many here at UB and nationwide. During the last year of her life, Nan made a significant bequest to UB Athletics Department. The University renamed its softball field, "The Nan Harvey Field" in her honor.


Affiliation(s): Athletics, Women's Athletics
Record Group(s): 31
Biographical File Contains:
  • Obituary
  • Photographs