In Memory of Mrs. Sherrill Brakmeier

Mrs. Sherrill E. Brakemeier Obituary
Those who cannot make the funeral service may watch it here

On March 13, the University of Louisville lost a beloved member of its family with the passing of Mrs. Sherrill Brakmeier (1922-2020).

Mrs. 'B' was a member of the Cardinal Athletics family since 1940, when she played all four sports offered tor women: field hockey, basketball softball and volleyball. Upon graduation, she joined the staff as a teacher and a coach and served as Louisville's field hockey coach for 30 years before retiring after 37 years of service.

In 2012, the UofL field hockey program dedicated its locker room to her in conjunction with her 90^th birthday (August 25). She made a point of attending at least one field hockey game every year and always met with the team after cheering them on.

"The matriarch of UofL field hockey; an absolute gem, loving, kind, selfless and generous," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "She is the reason Louisville has a field hockey program and her impact on UofL student-athletes both past and present is immeasurable. Whether coach, support staff, or athlete, Mrs. B. was beloved because of who she was and because of her tremendous passion for Louisville and for Cardinal Field Hockey. I am so grateful to follow in her footsteps and to have the opportunity to lead the program she created. I am forever grateful."

Sherrill Ellmers Brakmeier, a native of Louisville, KY, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Biology from the University of Louisville in 1944. Upon graduation, she joined the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) at U of L as a faculty member. Later in her tenure she helped to develop and administer the Recreation Education major program.

As a student at U of L, Sherrill participated in various programs and activities on campus. She was a four-year member of all varsity women's team sports offered at the time: field hockey, basketball, softball and volleyball. She served as the president of the Women's Recreation Association (WRA), and the Pep Club, and was a member of the student council. During her college years, Sherrill worked for the Louisville Parks Department as a community center activities leader and during the summers as a playground leader. She also had a deep commitment to the underprivileged youth of our community and volunteered at various social services agencies such as the Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Wesley Community Center and the Neighborhood House.

As a faculty member, Mrs. B taught an array of courses from volleyball to basketball to fencing, bowling and physical fitness and was an academic advisor to HPER students. In addition, to teaching and advising, she served for 30 years as coach of the Field Hockey team, was on the board of directors for Kentucky Women's Intercollegiate Sports (KWIC) and Kentucky Association for the Health Physical Education and Recreation (KAHPER). She was faculty advisor and chaperone to various groups including: Mortar Board, cheerleaders, pep Club, Square Dance Club, etc. She trained students and volunteers to work with Special Olympics and Easter Seal Society participants.

Mrs. Brakmeier had the distinction of being the first woman to be inducted into the University of Louisville Athletic Hall of Fame and was a long-time member of the L-Club board of directors. Numerous awards came her way for dedication and service to her profession and to the university and also for her commitment to the community.

Her awards included:
• 1998 - The Red Apple Award - U of L Alumni Association
• 1994 - Allen Society Award - Metro United Way
• 1990 - W. Walter Mustang Award - KAHPER (highest award for service)
• 1985 - Outstanding Alumni Award - U of L Alumni Association

In 1997 the Health Physical Education and Sports Studies (HPES) Department at U of L established the Sherrill E. Brakmeier Award in her honor. The award is presented each year to the outstanding senior in the HPES program for academic excellence, and service to the community, to the profession and to the university.

Sherrill was married to George A. Brakmeier, Jr. for 56 years before he passed away. She is survived by two children, Sherrill B Zimmerman (Lee) and George A. Brakmeier, III (Pamela), both graduates of U of L, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Louisville field hockey community reflects on Mrs. Sherrill Brakmeier
"Mrs. B embodied all of what we aspire to be as female athletes. She worked incredibly hard to create opportunity for women so that they would have the support to compete with Louisville Athletics playing the sport they love so much. Her legacy will forever impact the lives of all of us, and we are so incredibly grateful to have known her! Mrs. B will be missed dearly by our program and the community, and we send our thoughts and love to the Brakmeier family." - Current UofL field hockey junior Meghan Schneider

"Mrs. B was Louisville Field Hockey. Her coaching, cheerleading and goodwill for our sport was infectious and played a major role in the success of the program today. Everyone who has played or will play field hockey at the University of Louisville will never forget her or the contributions she has made to the sport she so dearly loved." - Former UofL coach Debbie Condreva (1981-84)

"For an athlete at any level, I think we all dream of leaving a legacy. Mrs. B did just that, and more. She not only left her legacy on the field, but in the hearts of many generations after she hung up her jerseys. Mrs. Brakmeier selflessly gave to the Louisville Field Hockey program (among others) and always had a positive word to share with anyone who needed it. She will forever hold a special place in my heart, as well as the many she came in contact with, and I know her legacy will continue to live on forever."
- Suzanne Irwin Bush (2001-04)

"Student-athletes from all over the world have felt Mrs. B's impact through her hard work, love, and support of Louisville Athletics! She helped lay the strong foundation of the field hockey program that gave them the opportunity to be break records and reach the Elite Eight. We are forever thankful for her smile and hugs after every game she attended, her candies she brought to give us energy, and the amazing stories she shared of our program's history. I am so thankful for her impact and she will hold a special place in my heart and my memories." - Rachel Overton (2002-06)

"The loss of Mrs. Sherrill Brakmeier hits our Cardinal family hard. We stand on the foundation she built and are strong because this formidable little lady paved the way. A true champion for women's athletics, Mrs. B had a profound impact on all who encountered her. Our hearts are heavy, but our memories are sweet; just like the candy treats she loved to share." - Suzanne Burns (1984-87)

University of Louisville Athletics

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