News Detail
Coach Ruth Rainey Shrum
Ruth Rainey Shrum was one of the first female faculty members at EHS to help prepare the institution for coeducation. In 1991, she coached the School's inaugural varsity field hockey team, some of whom had never picked up a hockey stick.
Shrum had an exceptional eye for identifying natural athletic talent, which proved instrumental in shaping the team. Despite the initial challenge of not having enough players to field a junior varsity level, her leadership was crucial during the early development stages. The team continued to move up the ranks in the ISL AA, and within just three years, they emerged as ISL champions in both the regular season and postseason in 1993.
“Coach Rainey was steadfast, dedicated, serious, inspiring, powerful, mixed hard work with lots of laughter,and always believed in her players,” former player Amy Fannon Cupic ’94 said. “She made a name for herself among the league and was admired by many but also demonstrated amazing sportsmanship even when we were clearly unmatched rivals in the early years.” Shrum’s legacy continues through the Ruth K. Rainey Most Valuable Player Field Hockey Award, a testament to her enduring influence and contributions to the sport at Episcopal.
