Mary Willcox Knapp, a Sun and member of the Class of 1944, is recognized for excellence in a myriad of athletics and trailblazing achievements at Walker’s and beyond. As a Walker’s student, Mary played field hockey and basketball for the Suns and served as a member of the Athletic Board in 1943.

Following her time at Walker’s, Mary continued her education at the Grier School, where she became a member of the swim and riding teams and began what would become an impressive career in aviation through Grier’s Pre-Flight Training. Following her graduation from Grier, she attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned her pilot’s license — an extraordinary accomplishment for a woman at that time.

Mary’s aviation career spanned over four decades as she worked as both a commercial pilot and flight instructor. She even started her own crop-dusting business and later self-published two books about aviation.

Simultaneously, Mary remained an impressive athlete. In the 1950s and 1960s, she was a nationally-ranked squash player. Her contributions to the sport were recognized in 1962 when she was awarded the U.S. Squash Achievement Bowl — the organization’s oldest honor.

Mary’s athletic career came full circle upon her return to Walker’s in 1965 to take on the roles of lacrosse coach and aviation instructor. For 10 years, she shaped young lives both on the field and in the air, leaving a legacy of leadership and excellence in Walker’s athletics.