She is best known as the head coach of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Lady Tigers basketball team.

[1] She attended George Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University), with Nera White.

Gunter began her coaching career at Middle Tennessee State University where she led the Blue Raiders to undefeated seasons in both of her years there (1962–1964).

Gunter then had a very successful coaching stint at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Her basketball teams went to five Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) playoffs, won four state titles, and earned a regional crown.

[4] In Gunter's 22 years as the head coach at LSU (1982–2004), the Lady Tigers played in 14 NCAA Tournaments and two WNITs.

When it was apparent that Gunter would not be able to return, she formally announced her retirement on April 27 and Chatman was named her successor.

Gunter completed her career as the third winningest women's basketball coach in NCAA history (at the time) with an overall record of 708-308 (behind only Jody Conradt and Pat Summitt).

In 1980, the United States Olympic Team selected Gunter as the head women's basketball coach.

[7] On April 4, 2005, Gunter was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.