Player Profile: Dorothy Monahan
In the mid-1950s, Dorothy “Dot” Monahan Callahan emerged as one of the most dominant and outstanding athletes at College Misericordia. Dot matriculated in Fall 1952 on a full scholarship and immediately had an impact on the Misericordia basketball (as a forward) and field hockey teams (as goalie).
Dot’s skills were frequently highlighted in the Miss Recordia. She was identified as a player to watch when she tried out for the basketball team in December 1952. Profiling Dot in a 1954 Miss Recordia piece, teammate Lilian Maluo noted that the “gracefulness with which she handles herself on the court adds to the pleasure of watching her play and gives basketball for women a sense of dignity.” Lilian added that Dot’s style reminds viewers that basketball is not merely a competitive sport, but an art.
For the 1955-1956 season, Dot was elected co-captain of the basketball team. During that season, Dot averaged 15 points per game. In some games, Dot individually scored more points than the entire opposing team; for example, in the December 7, 1955, game against Wilkes (CM, 47-Wilkes, 17), Dot scored 19 points herself.
In addition to her athletic skills, Dot was an active member of the Misericordia community. Among her many activities, Dot served as an editor of and sports columnist for the Miss Recordia and the editor of the Teacher’s Bulletin; production manager for the Misericordia Players; president of the MAA; and a member of numerous clubs, including the Home Economics Club, the Glee Club, and the Alpha Beta Mission Club. These contributions were recognized when the student body elected Dot as Miss Recordia in May 1956 “for outstanding leadership and interest in extracurricular activities.”
Dot graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in journalism. After graduating from Misericordia, Dot pursued a career as a teacher and author.
