Joan pioneered women's athletics at Grand Valley State University through coaching, teaching and administration during a 33-year career. A group of students approached her in 1968 and asked about starting collegiate teams and she led the charge.
She held head coaching positions in basketball, volleyball, softball and track and field, and amassed more than 700 wins and 10 conference championships. Her volleyball teams were 557-330 (.628) with six GLIAC championships (1973-77) and her basketball Lakers were 132-48 (.733) with four consecutive GLIAC titles (1974-77).
In addition to being a part of the physical education faculty from 1966 to 1996, Joan served as an Associate Athletic Director, and for many years served on several conference, regional and national NCAA committees.
In 2004 she was inducted into the Grand Valley Athletics Hall of Fame, in 2013 GVSU created an endowment fund in her honor and in 2014 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators.