Tina Sloan Green has exhibited an innate predisposition for an array of athletic pursuits since her formative years. She was raised within the sanctified confines of a devout household in Philly and secured a degree in physical education. The woman forever etched her name into the annals of history as the pioneering African-American woman to join the U.S. women’s field hockey cadre. Moreover, she presided over the Temple Owls women’s lacrosse team as head coach for nearly two decades. A litany of accolades and monumental triumphs were attained by the prodigy. We invite you to explore the intricacies of her distinguished journey on Philadelphianka.
Nascent Years
Tina’s life commenced on April 27, 1944, in Philly. Her parents, Sally and Norwood Sloan, were paragons of religious devotion, nurturing a brood of seven children. Though unlettered themselves, they imbued their offspring with an unshakable reverence for scholarship, deeming it an essential endeavor.
Tina attended a modest educational institution in Eastwick. There, her graduating class comprised a scant 13 pupils. Despite the diminutive scale of her cohort, she distinguished herself through her prodigious aptitude for academic endeavors and athletic pursuits. Upon completing her primary studies, she matriculated at the Philadelphia High School for Girls, where she was among a mere 20 African-American students selected.
It was during her tenure at this esteemed high school that Tina embarked upon her athletic trajectory. The woman immersed herself in multiple disciplines (volleyball, basketball and field hockey). Her talents did not go unnoticed by Coach Jane Weitzenhoffer. The latter’s discerning mentorship catalyzed Tina’s development, introducing her to competitive school teams and refining her burgeoning skills.
Upon graduation, Tina advanced to West Chester University, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1966. She subsequently augmented her academic credentials with a master’s degree from Temple University.
Vocational Exploits and Laurels
Following her academic sojourn, Tina embarked upon a professional journey, interweaving pedagogy and athletics. Her illustrious career unfurled as follows:
- Tina initiated her professional odyssey as a physical education instructor at Unionville High School. There, she shattered barriers as the inaugural African-American educator.
- The woman established and coached a lacrosse contingent while also fulfilling the role of assistant basketball coach.
- Subsequently, she expanded her purview at William Penn High School, where she undertook the mantle of swimming coach.
During her collegiate years, Tina excelled as a field hockey luminary. From 1969 to 1973, she represented the U.S. women’s national team, earning distinction as the first African-American woman to do so.
In 1973, Tina ascended to the helm of the Lincoln Lions basketball team as head coach. The woman also concurrently mentored the cheerleading squad.
Her career reached its zenith in 1975 when she assumed the role of head coach for the Temple Owls women’s lacrosse team. This marked her as the first African-American woman to occupy this position. Tina remained in this job until 1992. Her stewardship proved transformative, steering the team to three national championship victories and 11 NCAA finals appearances.
Concurrently, Tina demonstrated her versatility by coaching badminton and imparting knowledge as a faculty member at Temple University. Upon her retirement from coaching in 1992, she departed with an extraordinary ledger of 207 victories and a mere 62 losses.
At Temple University, Tina achieved the rank of professor. The woman contributed to the Sisters in Sports Science initiative, underwritten by the National Science Foundation. Additionally, she helmed the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at Temple University for over a decade.
Following her departure from coaching, Tina co-founded the Black Women in Sport Foundation in collaboration with her academic peers. She additionally penned and published two literary works.
Throughout her illustrious tenure, Tina repeatedly transcended racial boundaries to attain numerous historic “firsts.” Yet, her heritage occasionally curtailed her recognition. For instance, despite securing a national championship for her team in 1984, she was bypassed for the Coach of the Year accolade. It took a decade of irrefutable victories to overcome such biases and secure the award, underscoring the profound impact of her accomplishments.
Ultimately, Tina garnered a plethora of prestigious honors, including:
- Enshrinement in the U.S. National Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1997)
- Induction into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame (1999)
- Recognition in the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2013)
- Acknowledgment by the IWLCA Hall of Fame (2017)
T. Green was also honored for her lifetime achievements at the 6th Annual Shining Star Awards. Her alma maters, Temple University and West Chester University, paid homage to her by inducting her into their respective Halls of Fame. The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators further celebrated her extraordinary contributions.
Domestic Sphere
Tina was united in matrimony with Frank Green. They nurtured two progeny, Traci and Frankie. Traci has been playing tennis since childhood. The daughter studied at the University of Florida and later ascended to the role of head women’s tennis coach at Harvard University. Like her mother, she has guided her team to numerous laurels.
Frankie also pursued tennis. He earned distinction as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2006. Post-graduation, he transitioned into coaching and continues to ply his trade in Philly.
Tina S. Green commemorated her 80th year in 2024. Though her athletic endeavors have concluded, she remains deeply entrenched in public initiatives, steadfastly advocating for the empowerment of women athletes.