Susan Russ is truly a pioneer in women’s athletics. Upon graduation and receiving her Masters from Murray State University, Russ entered into her coaching career while teaching at Memphis State University. In the spring of 1969, she started the first women’s track and cross-country program at the University. At that time, before Title IX, there was no money for recruitment so Russ posted signs all over campus to get girls to try out for that first team. For no additional pay, Russ built and coached the team in a time before TSSAA had yet to sponsor girls’ sports.
Over eleven seasons, Russ coached the Memphis State Women’s Track team to a second place finish in the Tennessee State Collegiate Track and Field Championships.
By the early 1970s, the Memphis State program was competitive at the national level and had several individuals qualify for cross-country nationals. In 1987, Russ was inducted into the Memphis State Sports Hall of Fame.
For the last 26 years, Russ has coached at The Harpeth Hall School in Middle Tennessee. In her tenure, she has coached a total of twenty teams to state championships in track and field, team relays and cross-country (the most for any coach in the state of Tennessee). She has coached twelve teams to state track championships, six teams to state cross-country championships, and two teams to team relay championships for a total of twenty state titles.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Russ has served as Athletic Director for the Harpeth Hall School since 1986. She is now responsible for seventeen teams in eleven sports in the Upper School and fifteen teams in ten sports in the Middle School.
Needless to say, many honors have come her way. Among the accolades, Coach Russ has been named NFICA Tennessee Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year (1995), Tennessee State Track Coach of the Year (1991, 1992, 2003), NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year (2003), Metro Cross Country Coach of the Year (10 times), Regional Cross Country Coach of the Year (8 times) and Regional Track Coach of the Year (8 times).
Known for her progressive sports programs and her dedication to excellence, Susan Russ continues to pave the way for young women in sports.