9:45 a.m. ET
Alexa Philippou ESPN
Conclude
- Includes women’s college basketball and the WNBA
- Previously, UConn and the WNBA covered the Connecticut Sun for the Hartford Courant
- Stanford graduate and Baltimore native with additional experience at Dallas Morning News, Seattle Times and Cincinnati Enquirer
Legendary women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer is retiring after 50 years and 1,055 victories as head coach, she announced Saturday.
Stringer, a Naismith Hall of Famer, has led her teams to 28 NCAA tournament appearances and four Final Four finishes during her long career with Cheyney State, Iowa and since 1995 with Rutgers.
Stringer’s resignation is effective September 1.
“My life has been defined by coaching and I have been on this journey for over five decades. It’s rare for someone to do what they love for so long, and I’ve been fortunate enough to do that,” Stringer said in a publication. “Having recently celebrated the inaugural women’s Final Four team at Cheyney State University, where it all began, I knew I’d been at it a long time. It’s important to step aside and challenge others to rise up and do this game forward.
“It was the hardest decision of my life, but I thank God for allowing me to do what I love most. I am ready to start my new journey and spend more time with my family, children and grandchildren. I am truly blessed to have had so many wonderful people in my life.”
Stringer, 74, did not coach with Rutgers in the 2021-22 season due to COVID-19 concerns and assistant head coach Tim Eatman took over for her. The school said a national search for Stringer’s replacement will begin immediately.