General | 2/10/2025 12:00:00 PM
Dr. Effietee Martin Payne was a towering figure in the history of Morgan State University and an enduring legend in the world of coaching. Known for her unparalleled dedication and deep commitment to the development of her students both on and off the field, Dr. Payne left an indelible legacy that reverberates to this day.
Dr. Payne was born in Union, South Carolina, one of eight children, to Fincher and Mattie L. Martin. She received her early education in Union, S.C. where she won many trophies for her prowess in basketball. Her athletic ability resulted in a scholarship for her at Allen University, where she received the Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors. After teaching for a period in her home state, she enrolled at the Indiana University. From there she earned a Master of Science degree in health and physical education, and later, became one of the first African Americans to earn a doctorate from Indiana University, where she wrote her thesis, "A Critical Evaluation of Selected Physical Education Films for Use with Girls and Women," in 1952.
Dr. Payne stands as a trailblazer in the history of women's sports at Morgan State. Serving as the first female head coach at the institution between 1946 and 1973, Dr. Payne played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of women's athletics at a time when opportunities for women in sports were often limited. Her visionary leadership led to the organization and coaching of Morgan's first women's varsity basketball team, which made its debut in 1947. Recognizing the need for expanding opportunities for female athletes, she also spearheaded the creation of the university's first women's tennis team.
In addition to her coaching achievements, Dr. Payne was a dedicated professor in the physical education department, where she worked to foster a culture of inclusivity and athletic excellence. She was instrumental in the development of multiple women's sports programs at Morgan, including soccer, field hockey, swimming, and even majorettes, helping to diversify the athletic opportunities available to women on campus. Her contributions extended beyond sports, as her work empowered countless women to pursue athletics and physical education in a time when gender inequities in these fields were profound.
The Morgan Majorettes and the Marching Eighty at Hughes Stadium in the 1960s.
Dr. Payne's passion for teaching and coaching left an indelible mark on the lives of her students and the legacy of her institution. Her leadership propelled countless basketball teams to success in state and national tournaments, where they competed with determination and sportsmanship. Yet, Dr. Payne's influence extended far beyond the court. Her dedication to fostering excellence in health and physical education inspired a generation of students who went on to pursue impactful careers themselves, spreading her values and vision far and wide.
Her motto, "Excellence in character and in athletic achievement," served as a guiding principle, encouraging her students to strive not only for victories in sports but also for integrity and personal growth. Reflecting on her remarkable career, Dr. Payne often noted that she had begun her tenure at Morgan State working in the humble conditions of the 'Dust Bowl' gymnasium but was proud to finish it in the beautiful Hill Field House.
1964 - Aerial view of Morgan State
In her later years, she became known as "Mama" Payne, as her legend grew commensurate with those of the other great Morgan coaches of the day. Eddie Hurt and Earl "Papa" Banks. The Morgan matriarch's fight for full female participation in all varsity sports, a goal realized by Title IX in 1972; her advocacy for the building of Morgan's first all-purpose gymnasium, later named Hurt Gymnasium; and the continuing struggle for women's rights made her a larger-than-life figure to her players and all who bore witness to her work.
She contributed articles on the subject of health and physical education to national journals, conducted workshops and seminars in the field. She was a member of the National Association of Sports for College Women, the Maryland Association for Women's Athletics, the National Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
Her impact extended well beyond her immediate teams; she was regarded as a community leader and a beacon of hope at Morgan State during times of change. Dr. Payne's contributions to the university's athletic program set a standard for excellence that future coaches and players aspired to emulate. Even years after her passing, the legacy of Dr. Effietee Martin Payne endures, etched into the heart of Morgan State University and serving as an ongoing source of inspiration.
Dr. Effietee M. Payne was inducted into the MSU Hall of Fame in 1982.
Former Morgan State Women's Basketball Greats
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.