Betty Jo (Baker) Johns was a student at McPherson College at the time opportunities in women’s intercollegiate athletics were very limited. But, undeterred, Betty Jo took advantage of any and all opportunities available, participating three years in the WAA (Women’s Athletic Association) basketball program. Following her graduation, John taught at Larned and Dighton High Schools and Cloud County Community College. In 1968, Johns began a 26-year teaching and coaching career at Garden City Community College, where she was instrumental in starting every women’s sport offered. At GCCC, she coached one or more sports until 1993 in addition to teaching physical education, health, and anatomy until her retirement in 1995. An athlete as well as coach, Johns pitched for five state championship slow-pitch softball teams and playing in five national tournaments. An avid jogger bicyclist, and tennis, softball and racquetball player, she has ridden every Bike Across Kansas since 1986. Johns is retired in Garden City, Kan.