Title

Cruikshank, Martha

Type

Athlete

Builder

Sport

English Golf

English Basketball

English Volleyball

English Badminton

English Gymnastics

English Track & Field

Inducted

2025

Era

1960 – 2022

Description

Martha Cruikshank (née Wiliams, Formerly Martin) has devoted her life to sport as an athlete, educator, coach, official, and builder, leaving a lasting impact across Niagara. Growing up in Niagara Falls, she excelled in multiple sports, eaming all-around champion honours at the Lions Aquatic Meet in the 1960's. In basketball, she starred for Maple Street School and Kitchener Street Church, winning a provincial title in 1967. At NFCVI, she received the Girls Athletic Award, Principal's Cup, and captured SOSSA titles in basketball, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, and track and field. She continued her athletic career at the University of Toronto, competing in varsity basketball and volleyball and earning her Varsity Blue "T" designation.
Returning home as an educator, Martha became the first woman Major Head of Physical Education in the Niagara South Board of Education at Stamford Collegiate, later teaching and coaching at both Stamford, Thorold Secondary, and A.N. Myer Secondary School. She led teams in basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, badminton, and golf and served as co-convenor for the 2008 OFSAA badminton Championships.
In retirement, Martha has continued her involvement through golf - as a 15 time Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club champion, competing in the Ontario and Canadian Senior Golf Championships and is a certified Golf Ontario and Golf Canada referee, officiating at events including the 2022 Canada Games. Her leadership in organizing women's golf leagues and tournaments has fostered excellence and community across Niagara. Martha is also active as a volleyball referee in local elementary schools and for the Ontario Volleyball Association. Martha Cruikshank's lifelong dedication to sport as a trailblazer, mentor, and competitor- has inspired generations, building opportunities for athletes and strengthening the sporting spirit of Niagara Falls.

This image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture

Subject

Awards

Sports - Golf

Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame

Portraits - Biographical

Is Part Of

Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame