Northwestern State University alumna Claudia Blanchard of Washington was inducted into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame, one of only 20 women to join the Hall of Fame. She earned degrees in health and physical education and business education in1980 and a Master of Education in 1981. She is a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

Blanchard’s accomplishments include state championships in both women’s basketball and softball. She is the recipient of the Coach of the Year honor at a district, parish and state level in both basketball and softball. Her most prestigious honor was her selection as a charter recipient of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 1997. In 1999, she was inducted into the Louisiana Softball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame for her commitment and dedication to the sport of softball.

“I definitely feel that my experience at Northwestern impacted my career,” Blanchard said. “My first job was at Port Barre High School where I spent my career in the classroom and as a coach before moving into administration. NSU prepared me well to be an educator.”

Blanchard served as a teacher for 16 years and assistant principal for more than 10 years in which she was honored as State Assistant Principal of the Year in 2004. She is currently the director of curriculum for the St. Landry Parish School System and interim assistant superintendent.

“I thank all of the coaches that I had the honor and privilege to work with and learn about the game of life,” Blanchard said. “I am also extremely grateful to my family for their continued support.”

The Hall of Fame, celebrating its 34th year, has honored 235 individuals who have been positive influences through leadership, sportsmanship, physical fitness and outstanding accomplishments both on and off the field during their involvement in Louisiana high school athletics and beyond.