Washington College Athletics renamed its Senior Woman Administrator position the Penny J. Fall SWA on Oct. 8, 2026, honoring Fall’s contributions to women’s athletics and gender equity at the Chestertown, Maryland, institution. The Senior Woman Administrator position is held by the highest-ranking female at an NCAA member institution.
Alisha Mosley has held Washington College’s Senior Woman Administrator position for the last two years. She also serves as assistant athletic director, director of compliance and head women’s basketball coach.
Penny J. Fall’s Washington College legacy
Penny J. Fall was instrumental in establishing women’s athletics at Washington College from 1969 through 2001. Under her direction, the number of women’s sports offered at Washington College grew from zero to nine, with women’s rowing added in 1974 as the first women’s sport added during her tenure.
Washington College currently offers 10 varsity athletics programs and two coed sports. The college plans to add flag football the following school year, bringing its varsity athletics programs to 11.
Fall oversaw women’s athletic training, equipment, game management and scheduling during her tenure. She also was responsible for women’s athletic programs, conducted intramural programs and coached volleyball, softball and women’s tennis.
Recognition for advancing gender equity
In 1984, Fall was recognized by the governor of Maryland for her work advancing gender equity in Maryland’s educational institutions during the first decade of the Title IX Educational Amendment. She was inducted into the Washington College Athletics Department Hall of Fame in 1997.
Washington College dedicated the Penny J. Fall Gymnasium in her honor in spring 2021. Sarah Feyerherm, the college’s vice president for student affairs, described Fall’s support for female student-athletes and coaches.
“Penny Fall was relentless in her pursuit of equality for female student-athletes at Washington College. As a new coach in the ’90s, I was lucky enough to have her unending support-both for me and for my players. She cared deeply that they had the experience they deserved and that they would not be treated less than their male counterparts. For Penny, and the women who envisioned and helped realize this fund, I am eternally grateful.”
— Sarah Feyerherm
Thad Moore, Washington College’s associate vice president and director of athletics, said naming the position for Fall recognizes her impact on Washington College and its athletic department. Moore also acknowledged those who helped make the honor possible and supported women’s sports at the college.
“Unfortunately, I was only able to work with Coach Fall for a couple of years before her passing but in that short time it was very apparent the impact she had on Washington College and the Athletic Department. Naming the Senior Woman Administrator in her honor is a wonderful compliment to her legacy.”
— Thad Moore
“I would also like to acknowledge all those who made this possible. Your drive and commitment to honor Coach and enhance women’s sports at Washington College is inspiring,” Moore said.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Washington College Athletics’ decision connects the Senior Woman Administrator role to Fall’s work establishing and expanding women’s athletics at the college. The Penny J. Fall SWA name adds another recognition to her Washington College legacy alongside her Hall of Fame induction and the gymnasium dedicated in her honor.
Source: Original report
