OBITUARY Sylvia Stroops January 22, 1935 – September 24, 2018 Dr. Sylvia Lynn Stroops was born January 22, 1935 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Gus and Georgia Fern Rhea Stroops of Bossier City, LA and passed away on Monday, September 24, 2018 in Ruston, LA. Sylvia was educated in the local school system, graduating from Bossier City High School, Bossier City, LA in 1953. In 1957, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.
In 1963, she earned a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education from Northwestern State University, and in 1971 a Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. In 1957, Sylvia began her teaching career at Alexandria Junior High School, Alexandria, LA. In 1962, she joined the faculty of the College of Education, Department of Health and Physical education of Louisiana Tech University.
While guiding students in the various skills of physical education classes, teaching the history and principles of physical education, to those majoring in physical education. It was the teaching of senior adults in various swimming classes that completed the circle of how important physical activity is in all ages and stages of life. She retired in August 1995 as Associate Professor of health and Physical Education.
Sylvia Stroops was truly a pathfinder, who has for many years provided the leadership for young women to enter the field of Athletics. She has been the “silent” force behind many decisions made for girls and women sports in the state of Louisiana. One of the most significant “gifts,” given by Sylvia, began in the early 1960s when she and three other women discussed the need for more Athletic Opportunities for girls in the state of LA.
From this meeting, a proposal was written expressing a need for state high school basketball tournaments for girls, similar to the one that already existed for boys. The proposal was presented, accepted, and in the spring of1963. The “Sweet Sixteen” tournament was held for the first time at Pineville High School, Pineville, LA.
Some 50 years later, the term is even used for various other tournaments. In 1970, Sylvia was one of the many leaders in physical education who participated in the International Special Olympics Sports Clinic in Chicago, Illinois to teach the basic fundamentals of varied, popular team, and individual sports to children. This sports clinic was conducted by the Sports Clinic Directors of the Chicago Park District.
The following years, 1971, Sylvia assisted Alabama Special Olympic Program which created opportunities for sports training and athletic competition for all special needs children. Sylvia was also instrumental in the development of the Louisiana Division of Girls and Women in Sport. During this time DGWS scholarships resulted and recipients were those women who met the requirements for qualification, and who would be attending a state school in pursuit of a degree in physical education.
She has served as a member of the board of Directors for Louisiana Network for Girls and Women in Sport. She was the conference director for the state’s first “Coaching the Female Athlete Conference” sponsored by the LNGS. Sylvia has been recognized on National Girls and Women in Sport Day as a leader and supporter of Women’s sports in Louisiana.
She has been responsible for women’s sports in Louisiana. She has been responsible for the recruitment of many females in the area of coaching… Some have become outstanding coaches at the state level while others have become outstanding coaches and administrators at other levels. Over the span of thirty plus years she has provided many paths for females in the State of Louisiana to follow… paths that lead to enhancing opportunities in sports and physical education.
Since her retirement, Sylvia discovered the wonderful world of TRAVEL and has toured the Scandinavian countries, England, and other European countries. She always had her van packed and ready to see any interesting places in the United States as well! A celebration of life service will be officiated by Rev.
Dale E. Oden of Temple Baptist Church of Ruston, LA, at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA, on Wednesday, September 26th, 2018, at 2:30 P.M. Interment will follow in Centuries Memorial Park . A Special expression of appreciation is given to Keshia Hargrove and Jessica Roane for their wonderful care that they gave to Sylvia. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Sylvia L. Stroops Endowed Scholarship, Louisiana Tech University Foundation, INC.
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