Debra Mapes

Debra Kay (Deb) Mapes

Debra Kay "Deb" Mapes, age 70, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Born on April 23, 1954, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Deb lived a life marked by dedication to education, athletics, and the advancement of opportunities for women in sports.

A proud graduate of Alma High School's Class of 1972, Deb was a trailblazer from an early age. In the 1970s, a pivotal time for women's athletics, she stood at the forefront of change. Because there was no women's tennis team at Alma High School at the time, she petitioned the Michigan State Legislature to allow her to play on the men's tennis team. Her petition was successful and she played second seat on the men's tennis team. Her passion and determination helped open doors for future generations of female athletes.

Deb continued her academic journey at Alma College where she earned her bachelor's degree and furthered her commitment to both learning and leadership. She went on to obtain a master's degree from Central Michigan University in Education. Later in life Deb earned a Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a Mater's of Clinical Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago, class of 2007. These accomplishments are reflective of her lifelong dedication to learning and her desire to help others grow and thrive. Her expertise in drug and alcohol counseling and rehab changed the lives of many Deb found this profoundly gratifying.

Deb's coaching career began at the University of Cincinnati where she coached tennis. She then returned to alma mater, Alma College where she coached many sports and served as the Athletic Director over both men's and women's athletics for a time, an impressive achievement that underscored her leadership and vision.

Throughout her career, Deb remained passionate about sports. She played and taught tennis, softball, basketball, soccer, and field hockey with enthusiasm and skill. Her influence extends beyond the field and court, she inspired countless students and athletes through her mentorship and example. Deb was the first woman to be inducted into the Alma College Athletic Hall of Fame. She was the captain of the 1975 Field Hockey Team earned 10 varsity letters, and was the first Alma College athlete to persist as a multiple sport athlete throughout the four years of her college career. She coached the Alma College Field Hockey Team as well as both Men's and Women's Tennis teams. Her tenure as the Athletic director at Alma College spanned from the 1980's into the 90's.

Outside of education and athletics, Deb found joy in breeding and showing animals. She had a specific love for poodles and later developed an interest and love for breeding and showing British shorthair cats, a hobby that brough her great satisfaction in recent years. Deb also had a fascination for aviation. This led her to obtain her pilots license under the guidance of Dr. Jack Sanders. Deb enjoyed many hours navigating the skies in her classic Luscombe aircraft.

Deb is survived by her longtime friend Katy Kinowski of West Bend, Wisconsin; brothers Kevin (Nancy) Mapes of Denver, Colorado; Greg (Lee) Mapes of Alma, Michigan; nephews Brandon (Mary) Mapes; Dr. Ian Mapes; Kyle (Abbey) Mapes; nieces Kelsey Mapes and Kallei (Aaron) Mapes-Hahn; as well as great-nieces and nephews Milo, Lucy, and Camryn.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clifton and Vesta Mapes and her grandmother Ruth Mapes.

Deb's legacy lives on through the lives she touched as a coach, an educator, mentor, friend, sister, aunt and through the many barriers she helped break down for women in sports. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Cremation has taken place, she will be interred at the Riverside Cemetery in Alma. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.