COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Violet Palmer has been named coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Mountain West, as announced today by MW Commissioner Gloria Nevarez.
Palmer brings an extraordinary pedigree as an official and administrator to the role. Palmer officiated the inaugural season of the WNBA in addition to five NCAA Women’s Final Fours and two championship games. She was named Naismith Award Women’s Official of the Year in 1999. Palmer is also the first woman to referee an NBA game. She officiated more than 900 regular-season NBA games as well as nine NBA Playoff contests. Violet is now the women’s basketball coordinator of officials for the Big Sky, Big West, WAC, and WCC, which are all part of the VP12 women’s basketball officiating alliance.
“We are thrilled to join the VP12 women’s basketball officiating alliance. I have known Violet for years and know that under her leadership, we will attract and retain first-class officials that will enhance Mountain West women’s basketball and the experience of our student-athletes,” said Nevarez.
In her role, Palmer will oversee recruiting and assigning for all Mountain West women’s basketball-hosted contests. In addition, she will evaluate, train, and mentor Mountain West officials.
