Jackie Court
College sports pioneer
The first American black woman to coach at Brown University, Court earned ECAC Coach of the Year honors in both 1997 and 1999 as well as NCAA Northeast Region Coach of the Year accolades in 1999. Throughout her career, she served as the State Chairperson of USA Gymnastics, as the District Chairperson for the National High School Federation, and on the advisory boards for the Women’s Sports Foundation and New England Women’s Fund. In 1994, she earned a Special Service Award from the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches, and in 1996 she gained induction into the Northeast Women’s Hall of Fame.
BIO
Jackie Court was the daughter of the late John and Cora Stewart. She stands as a pioneering figure in the world of gymnastics and women’s sports equality. Her journey toward becoming a trailblazer in the gymnastics community began in her early childhood when her passion for the sport was ignited.
Jackie, a graduate of Hampton University, excelled in science, dance, and physical education. Hampton is where she would meet her husband of 50 years, the late Kenneth O. Court who passed away in 2014. After settling in RI, Jackie became a public-school teacher and in 1969 was the first minority coach hired by Brown University, where she served as head gymnastics coach for over 30 years. Jackie was ECAC Coach of the Year in both 1997 and 1999 as well as NCAA Northeast Region Coach of the Year in 1999. Jackie served as the state’s 1st Chairperson of USA Gymnastics, a position she held for 18 years; as the District Chairperson for the National High School Federation and on the advisory boards for the Women’s Sports Foundation and New England Women’s Fund. In 1994, Jackie earned a Special Service Award from the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches, and in 1996 she gained induction into the Northeast Women’s Hall of Fame. She was a nationally-ranked gymnastics official for over 40 years. Jackie was a pioneer in women’s equality in sports and was recognized by the NCAA for her support and actions that improved the betterment of college sports for women through Title IX. Jackie mentored hundreds of athletes and coaches.
Throughout her coaching career, Court’s dedication and leadership inspired countless athletes to reach their full potential. Her coaching philosophy emphasized not only technical proficiency but also empowerment, instilling confidence and resilience in her athletes both on and off the mat.
Her accomplishments extended beyond Brown University to her work at the YWCA of Northern Rhode Island, where she started as a volunteer and went on to launch the competitive gymnastics program. In addition, Court choreographed the annual YWCA spring event showcasing the talents of hundreds of gymnasts.. Her advocacy for women’s legal fight for equity in collegiate sports continue to reverberate throughout the gymnastics community, leaving an indelible mark on generations of athletes and coaches. Jackie Court passed away April 12, 2020 at the age of 81.
Court is survived by her sons, Kenneth M. Court, a retired Providence Police detective who now works for the Brown Police Department; and John A. Court, head gymnastics coach at the University of Arizona, as well as a daughter in-law and granddaughter.
Jackie Court was named Eastern College Athletics Conference Coach of the Year in 1997 and 1999 as well as NCAA Northeast Region Coach of the Year in 1999. She also served as Rhode Island’s first chairperson of USA Gymnastics, a position she held for 18 years; as the district chairwoman for the National High School Federation and on the advisory boards for the Women’s Sports Foundation and New England Women’s Fund.
In 1994, she earned a special service award from the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastic Coaches/Women for “her outstanding commitment to the betterment of collegiate women’s gymnastics,” and in 1996 was inducted into the Northeast Women’s Hall of Fame.
Jackie Court’s legacy as a trailblazer coach, educator, and activist for women’s equality serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring gymnasts and coaches alike. Her pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence have paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in gymnastics, embodying the true essence of sportsmanship and empowerment.