Marj Snyder grew up with the aspiration to become a shortstop for the Chicago Cubs. Although this dream did not materialize, her passion for sports was undeterred. She participated in numerous athletic activities, including baseball, basketball, softball, swimming, tennis, skating, and skiing. Growing up in the pre-Title IX era in the Chicago area, her high school offered limited athletic opportunities for girls. As a result, Marj concentrated on tennis, a sport in which she and her team remained undefeated for four years. Upon entering college, she faced the absence of a women's basketball team, prompting her to start one herself. Throughout her collegiate years, she earned varsity letters in tennis, swimming, and field hockey.

After earning a degree in History, Marj began her professional journey as a high school government and economics teacher, as well as a tennis coach. She soon realized that coaching was her true calling, more so than classroom teaching. Prior to obtaining her Ph.D. in Sport Psychology from Temple University in 1989, she served as the head women's field hockey coach at Montclair State. Her career also included roles as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education and head coach for women's basketball, field hockey, and tennis at Hope College, and as head women's basketball and field hockey coach at Kalamazoo College.

In 1992, Marj embraced an opportunity to make a broader impact by joining the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) as Director of Education. Over more than three decades, her primary role was as Chief Program and Planning Officer, and she twice served as interim CEO. Her responsibilities encompassed administration, finance, human resources, advocacy, education, research, grantmaking, and overseeing a staff of 60. During her tenure, Marj guided the creation of a public policy institute, led significant research on the benefits of sports for girls and the barriers to their participation and leadership, and managed grant programs that provided underserved girls with opportunities to play sports. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center.

Marj has authored numerous papers, book chapters, and research reports relating to women in sports. She has presented her work at conferences and conventions throughout the United States and internationally. Frequently cited as an expert on women's sports, Marj has appeared in major media outlets, including ABC World News, CNN, NPR, The New York Times, USA Today, and the LA Times. Currently, she works as a consultant in nonprofit management, research, and education, while continuing to support the Women's Sports Foundation as Senior Research Advisor. Marj takes great pride in her role in advancing women's sports.

Marj's contributions have been widely recognized. In January 2006, she received the Girls on the Run International "Sole Mate" Award for her positive impact on her community. She was honored with the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports Pathfinder Award in 2003 and is a charter member of the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Beyond her career in women's sports, Marj served on the board of the International Sports Heritage Association (ISHA), including a term as president. ISHA supports its 140 member institutions—sports museums, halls of fame, and heritage organizations—in promoting and preserving sports history.

Marj devoted six years as a North Fork Women (NFW) board member, including a term as president. She joined the board after witnessing the organization's impact on the health and well-being of the NFW community and was motivated to help advance its mission. Marj was particularly interested in professionalizing NFW's operations. As president, she led a comprehensive strategic planning process that incorporated community input and resulted in an expanded mission. This new direction broadened the organization's focus to include not only medical wellness but also social and mental health, while increasing NFW's visibility within the broader North Fork community.

Since 1999, Marj and her wife Annie have called Greenport home, becoming full-time residents in 2014. Their connection to NFW was made possible by Jan Swanson, who encouraged their move and assisted them in finding a home. When not exploring distant destinations with Annie, Marj enjoys playing golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and biking. She looks forward to continuing her involvement with NFW by collaborating with the current board as a member of the Advisory Board.

Click to purchase tickets to the 2026 Founders Award
honoring Christine P’Simer and,
Marjorie Snyder