Bev Obringer made her mark on women’s basketball in the 1980s, paving the way for future female athletes. A Marion Local High School star from 1980-84, Obringer tallied 1,720 career points and averaged right around 19 points and 13 rebounds per game her senior season, all before the creation of the three-point line. A member of the USA Junior Olympic Games All-American Team, she was named the MVP of the McDonald’s All Ohio Team for Class A, and was recruited by several top-25 teams from Tennessee and Louisiana Tech to Ohio State. 

She landed at the University of Cincinnati in 1984, where she holds the record for blocked shots (142) and ranks fifth for total points at 1,700. She is ranked second all-time in rebounding at UC, fourth in career free-throws made (370), and fifth in free-throws attempted (493). 

Named an American Women’s Sports Federation All American in 1986 and First Team All-Metro in 1988 and 1989, Obringer helped the Bearcats claim victories over powerhouse schools like Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, Florida State, and Virginia Tech. They finished the 1988-89 campaign at 21-9 and were the 8-seed in that season’s NCAA Tournament – the program’s first-ever appearance.

Obringer built a successful career playing overseas in Chile, France, Italy, and Spain before settling in Australia, her home for the past 20 years. She was inducted into the University of Cincinnati Hall of Fame in 1999.