Barbara Culmer, who lives in the Denver area, graduated from Fort Lewis in 1989 and was a four-year letterwinner at forward for the Raiders from 1986-90. During her career, she earned first team All-RMAC and All-NAIA District VII honors in 1989-90 and All-NAIA District VII honorable mention accolades in 1988-89. She was also named the RMAC and NAIA District VII Player of the Week on Jan. 22, 1990. She helped the Raiders to a share of the RMAC championship in 1988-89 after finishing second in the conference in 1987-88.
Culmer’s name appears with frequency in the FLC women’s basketball record book. She is one of four women’s basketball players in school history to amass 1,000 points and 700 rebounds during her career. At the time of her induction, she ranked among FLC career leaders in field goals (sixth, 437), rebounding (sixth, 700), scoring (eighth, 1,040) and free throws (19th, 165). She also ranks second for most rebounds in a single game (23 vs. New Mexico Highlands, Jan. 23, 1990) and ranks third for most rebounds per game in a single season (10.2 in 1989-90).
“Barb was one of the top performers on our team and for our program,” said her former FLC head coach, Cathy Simbeck. “She was highly recruited out of Grand Junction Central High School and was an impact player for our program.”
Culmer will become the 11th FLC women’s basketball alumna to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Melinda Balm-Carter (1987-89), Lynn Barngrover (1969-72), Cory Coyle Jameson (1976-80), Ronda Eagle-Thompson (1982-86), Noreen Ferrari (1968-72), Lori High (1975-77), Marcy Jung (1977-78), Kendra Keeley (1992-94), Jennine McWilliams (1983-86) and Ruby Nez (1967-68).
Upon graduating from Fort Lewis, Culmer attended beauty school, graduating in 2013. She has worked in the cosmetology industry ever since, including the last 13 years at the same salon.
She continued her basketball career while living in Hawaii, playing for the Marine Corps women’s basketball team for a season. She also coached for one year.
Culmer has three children: Jacob and Hannah, both age 17, and Dalton, 15.
“I live vicariously through my boys and their athletic careers and my daughters’ ability to light up a stage,” said Culmer. “I’ve had a wonderful life due to basketball at Fort Lewis and the people that remain in my life due to the sport I have always loved. Thanks for this honor.”
