Athletic Hall of Fame
Dana Lettow Wagner’s career demonstrates a remarkable commitment to young athletes. Her success in competition and dedication as a coach is a wonderful example of the high standards of Spartan athletics.
Dana graduated from AU in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She came to campus in 1992 from Kaneland High School as an All-Little Seven Conference performer on the basketball court with high hopes. But, during her first week on campus she tore the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL in her right knee and was forced to sit out her freshman season. When she suffered the same injury in her other knee early in her senior year, she pressed on through the pain and finished the season wearing a knee-brace. Despite these setbacks, by the time Dana graduated, she left as the most prolific player in Spartan women’s basketball history.
She remains the AU all-time leading scorer with 1,693 points, averaging 18 points every time she was on the floor. Dana held the single game scoring record with 41 points in a game, reached double-digits in scoring 85 of her 94 career games, tallying 20 or more points 36 times. She also led the team in scoring 66 times.
Her impressive record earned a number of recognitions. Dana was named a Columbus Multimedia and Division III News All-American, a Kodak All-American twice, and was named All-Central Region three times. Dana was selected the Northern Illinois Iowa Conference Player of the Year three times, making the All-NIIC team all four years, was named the Spartan’s team MVP all four years of her collegiate career, and was also named AU’s Female Athlete of the Year three times. AU retired Dana’s number 40 jersey upon the conclusion of her final game on February 25, 1997.
After graduation, she began coaching at Waubonsee Community College. She has directed the programs of basketball for nine years, softball for 11 years, and volleyball for two years. In 2006, she led the basketball team that was ranked as 19-12 and 9-3, to a second-place finish in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and the softball squad with a record of 33-13 and 10-2, to their first conference title in 25 years.
Under her guidance, 10 basketball players have been named ALL-ISCC First Team, including 2004-2005 All-Region IV First Team selection Shar James. In addition, a dozen softball players have been selected All-ISCC First Team including 2007 Conference Player of the Year Cheryl Smick and University of Iowa recruit Abby Ruff. Dana gave up coaching basketball for the past two years to start a family, but will resume those duties for the coming season.
She is also the assistant athletic manager at Waubonsee Community College and runs the intramural program, handles all the school’s on-campus athletic events and serves as facilities coordinator for the college’s gym, among other responsibilities. Dana maintains her connections to AU through her participation either playing in or attending all of the alumni basketball games held so far.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to AU athletics and her continuing efforts to share her skills and leadership abilities with young people, it is with great pride and honor that we induct Dana Lettow Wagner into the Aurora University Athletic Hall of Fame.
