The Official Site of the Houghton University Highlanders

Darlene Ort Axelsson was known to her friends as “Skip.” She was a member of the Houghton College women’s basketball program and her single game high of 43 points is still a record today. For four years, she was the Lady Highlanders’ leading scorer. A Houghton fixture at “noon ball” remembers that “Skip” used to go play with the men in the old Bedford gym – “to say the least, she was a very capable basketball player!”

Following graduation from Houghton, “Skip” taught math and coached the girls varsity teams in soccer, volleyball and basketball at Houghton Academy from 1976-78. She proved to be an excellent role model for the students. She had a sharp mind, was committed to excellence in athletics and in life, had a sensitive and caring spirit, led a strong spiritual life and had a great sense of humor.

Darlene played field hockey, basketball, volleyball and softball while at Houghton. She graduated in 1975.