Rock Valley College Athletics

Rita Stevens was the first female athlete to receive a scholarship to continue playing after RVC. She attended Western Illinois University for a semester in 1976 before successfully walking on and earning a scholarship for her final two years as a catcher on the WIU softball team. While at Western, Rita played in the College World Series in 1976 and 1979. She graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education and later received her Master’s degree in 1995 from National Louis University.
 
Rita taught Physical Education at Keith Country Day School (1979-1980) and was then hired by the Belvidere School District where she taught Physical Education and coached varsity softball (1982-1986). She also coached 8^th grade volleyball and basketball (1986-1995) and is currently teaching at Seth Whitman Elementary School. Rita has dedicated her life to instructing students in physical education. She implemented Jump Rope for Heart, a program that raises money for the American Heart Association while also teaching students the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.