Athletic Accomplishments
A 1960 graduate of Ravenna High School and a graduate of Kent State University in 1965, Mary Jo went on to teach Physical Education at Anderson High School in Cincinnati and to coach the Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins Swim Club. In 1970 she undertook the creation of the synchronized swimming program at The Ohio State University, which has become the most outstanding collegiate “synchro” program in the nation. Continuing her education, Mary Jo earned her Ph.D. in Communications, Media and Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Her years at Ohio State have been marked by extraordinary success, including 11 national titles in the 13-year history of the collegiate national championships. Mary Jo has coached a total of 46 All-American selections and numerous U.S. National team members. In 1988, she was the head coach of the Venezuelan Olympic team. She was also a member of the coaching staff for the 1987 U.S. National Team and has coached Several U.S. Olympic Festival Teams. Mary Jo has been published in various sports periodicals and written two books: Skin and Scuba Diving (1973), and An Introduction to Synchronized Swimming (1976). Her high school is proud of the “splash” Mary Jo has made in the world of swimming!