Althea Loose Johnston coached JMU women's basketball teams to a 106-33-5
(.809) record in a span of 22 years. Six of her teams were undefeated
and at one point her teams won 17 straight games over three years. An
original member of the JMU faculty in 1909, she taught German, Latin and
physical education. She served as head of the physical education
department for all but one year from 1919-1947 and continued to teach
until her retirement in 1951. JMU's Johnston Hall is named in honor of
she and her husband, James C. Johnston. She is a graduate of Carroll
College in Wisconsin.