In 1976, the Coast Guard Academy first admitted female cadets and in 1980, 14 women graduated from the academy.

The first women's team at Coast Guard was women's gymnastics in 1976 and now the academy sponsors 10 women's sports (basketball, cross country, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, indoor track, outdoor track, volleyball) as well as co-ed sports, pistol, rifle and sailing.

To commemorate 40 years of graduating women at the Coast Guard Academy, we will look back at some of the outstanding women who have graduated and enjoyed success in athletics.

TO VIEW TODAY'S FEATURE ON MELISSA MARTINELLI ('10) -- CLICK HERE