Hall of Fame
Nancy Frost Bellmont was a trail "Blazer" for the College of Saint Benedict's athletic teams that exist today.
From 1970-74 Nancy aided in developing the women's basketball program, after playing informally on campus for a year. Basketball gained intercollegiate status when Carol Agnes, activities director, and Mary Mark (Grace) Donovan OSB, dean of students formed a team for the 1972-73 basketball season.
"My senior year we played a full schedule and even participated in the women's state tournament. This was a time when all teams played in the same division, so we competed against Winona State, Mankato State, UMD, and the U of M," said Bellmont. "The participants in those days were quite committed. We had to be our own best fans, because there were no other supporters."
In 1972-74, Nancy became an advocate for women's athletics. She was one of two CSB student representatives to attend a state-wide meeting to discuss women's athletics and current issues, as well as future direction for women's athletics. "The discussions were often heated regarding whether or not women should be offered athletics scholarships, risking the entrapments and mistakes of men's athletics versus equal opportunity," stated Bellmont.
After attending Columbus High School in Waterloo, Iowa, Nancy graduated from CSB with a bachelor's degree in social work and served as an assistant coach for the Blazer basketball team for two years. As of 1996, she was working as a probation officer in Stearns County.
Nancy continues to have a strong involvement with athletics. She has been a basketball referee and softball empire since 1985, helping in the state softball tournament, All-Star series, North Central Conference tournament, Special Olympics in softball and many district and slow-pitch tournaments.
Nancy and her husband Don have three children; Christopher, Jeff, and Nick. The family resides in St. Cloud, Minn.
