Central Catholic Honors Fran Krompak as Trailblazer for Girls’ Athletics

Central Catholic High School is honoring alumna Fran Krompak (Class of 1958) as a trailblazer for girls’ athletics with the unveiling of a tribute display in the Sullivan Center on Sunday, Sept. 11. 

Central Catholic is also establishing a scholarship in Fran’s name with endowed funds to support students far into the future.

To donate to the scholarship fund, please click HERE.

Fran was a pioneer for girls’ basketball across the state, opening the door for other women to coach in northwest Ohio.  She had a 140-25 record as the first female coach at Central Catholic, and she was the first female coach in the City League.  Her record includes eight City League titles, two sectional crowns, two district championships, one regional title, and one state ‘Final Four’ appearance during her tenure from 1969-80.  She also coached tennis, volleyball, and cheerleading at CCHS and served as a teacher and guidance counselor, working for a total of 42 years at her alma mater. 

In 1987, Fran was the first woman to be inducted into the Central Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame.  She was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in April 2022 and is also a member of the City League Hall of Fame, the Birmingham Hall of Fame, and the District 7 Basketball Hall of Fame.

Fran was instrumental in creating athletic competition for girls.  Before the formation of the City League for girls’ high school sports, Fran coached girls’ tennis and created the Girls’ Athletic League at Central Catholic.  The league featured bowling, canoe trips, ski trips, and organized competition with other schools in basketball.  By the time City League sports for girls began in 1969, Central Catholic teams were ahead of the game because of their competitive experience under Fran.

Fran retired from Central Catholic in 2004 after working as a coach, teacher, and guidance counselor.