History-making volleyball referee Linda Kay Fletcher has been killed in an Austin, Texas hit-and-run crash, according to the Austin-American Statesman.
The 77-year old Fletcher was coordinator of volleyball officials for the NCAA Division I Southland Conference (Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Houston Baptist).
She was previously the coordinator of officials for the Big 12 Conference. Fletcher was a pioneer as one of the first female referees to call games at the University of Texas.
For most of her career, Linda was considered a volleyball expert,” Plonsky told the Statesmen. “This was a woman who, like most women who were in the early years of athletics, labored in obscurity but gave her all. She was so respected and liked.
“After she was done with her officiating career, she scheduled, trained and supervised referees for the sport, which is important for every level. Linda stayed with it her whole life, just dedicated herself to it. Just such a sad end for one of the sweetest people on the planet.”
Austin Police have a suspect and the alleged vehicle, but as of posting have not apprehended the man, Fernando Lazcano, Sarabia, who they believe was the driver at the time.
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