Jeanne Contel

Jeanne Contel

Jeanne Contel (1928-2022)

“Born in Oakland, Calif., Contel graduated from Freemont High School and later San Francisco State College with a degree in Physical Education before becoming a teacher and a tennis coach. She went on to obtain her Administrative Credential, a Counseling Credential and a Master’s degree and became the Dean of Girls at Fresno High School and later the first female Principal in the San Joaquin Valley. Contel loved Fresno High, the students, the faculty and the parents.

Contel began her fast pitch career in 1944, playing for various local teams in Alameda, Calif. and Oakland, Calif. before joining the Fresno Rockets in 1951. As one of the most versatile athletes on the team, Contel led the squad to three ASA National Championship titles (1953, 1954, 1957) while earning five First-Team and one Second-Team All American honors in her 14 years on the Rockets. An integral part of every team she played on, her performance at third base earned her an induction into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 1969. Fresno High School celebrated her accomplishment by honoring her with a ‘Jeanne Contel Day’ before her selection into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1976.

Aside from being an administrator and a softball player, Contel was also a woodworker. A hobby that lasted her whole life, she built two roll top desks as well as many gifts for friends and family. In retirement, Contel became a golfer and enjoyed the game and friendships she developed. At the age of 92, Contel was still playing golf.

Contel leaves behind a nephew Gregory Dicker, a grandniece Jeannette Dicker and a grandnephew Gregory Dicker. She will be dearly missed by all her friends and associates.”