Jean Freeman
 Freeman during her coaching career | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 5, 1950 Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Died | October 14, 2010 (aged 60) St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Education | University of Minnesota (1972) |
| Playing career | |
| Circa 1966-71 | Ascension Swim Club Coached by Carol Gustafson |
| 1968-1972 | University of Minnesota |
| Positions | Freestyle, Butterfly Competitor |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1973-2004 | University of Minnesota |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 208 dual meet wins |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 2 Big 10 Championships (1999, 2000) (U. Minnesota Women) | |
| Awards | |
| Big 10 Coach of Year (84, 86, 96, 99) CSCAA Outstanding Service Award (1999) ASCA Hall of Fame (2011) Minnesota Women's Athletic Hall Fame (2000) | |
Jean K. Freeman (March 5, 1950– October 14, 2010) was an American competitive swimmer for the University of Minnesota and their Head Women's swimming coach for 31 years, from 1973 to 2004. Prior to 1975, when the Minnesota Women's swim team became better funded by the University, she worked part-time, and had to take on additional work to support herself, receiving very little compensation. Overcoming early funding obstacles in women's sports at Minnesota, she led the women's swim team to Big Ten Conference titles in both 1999 and 2000. As a Pioneer in women's collegiate swimming, in 1999, the College Swimming Coaches Association of American honored her with their Outstanding Service Award, making Freeman the first woman to achieve the Association's highest honor.