Connie Thorngren, the former director of women’s athletics at Boise State University in Idaho, died on October 1 at her home in Boise. She was 77 years old.
Thorngren came to Boise State in 1970 as the head coach for women’s basketball. She continued to lead the basketball program after being named director of women’s athletics in 1974. During her tenure as women’s athletics director, the sports of golf, soccer, softball, gymnastics and swimming were introduced and remain part of the university’s athletics department today.
Thorngren was a native of Moore, Idaho. She enrolled at Utah State University but transferred and earned a bachelor’s degree at Idaho State University. She later earned a master’s degree in physical education at what is now Central Washington University in Ellensburg.