Rutgers Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer Elected to Naismith
Apr 06 | Women's Basketball
DETROIT, Mich. - Rutgers head women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer joins NBA greats Michael Jordan, David Robinson, John Stockton and Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2009, it was announced Monday in Detroit the site of the 2009 men's Final Four.
| Coach Stringer poses with fellow 2009 class member Michael Jordan. |
"I am absolutely speechless. In February when I learned I was a finalist I explained my amazement and I am still in complete shock" Stringer said. "I love the game of basketball, it is truly my passion. To be recognized for a job that I have spent the better part of 40 years doing is astounding. I would be remiss if I did not thank the players, coaches and all those that have made this special day, this amazing moment possible. I am so humbled."
Stringer was the first coach - male or female - to take three different teams to the Final Four, doing so with Cheyney State (1982), Iowa (1993) and Rutgers (2000, 2007).
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Stringer is ranked third-all time in wins in collegiate women's basketball history, second among active head coaches. The three-time national coach of the year honoree (1982, 1988, 1993) places eighth among Division I men's and women's coaches in total victories.
Stringer, a 2001 inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, has led her teams to 22 appearances in the NCAA Tournament which includes nine regional finals and 41 total victories. An assistant coach on the gold-medal 2004 U.S. Olympic Team in Athens, Stringer guided Rutgers to its fifth straight regional semifinal showing this past season.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Coach Stringer," said former player and current WNBA star Cappie Pondexter. 'She is committed to women's basketball both on and off the court. Her desire is contagious and had an effect on me and the person I have become."
"I am very happy and elated that Vivian was selected to the Hall of Fame this year. I would think not many, if any, Division II school has its former men's and women's coaches in the Hall of Fame," said legendary coach and Hall of Famer John Chaney. "Vivian certainly has all the qualifications and is one of the great basketball coaches of all-time."
Stringer and her classmates will be recognized at halftime of the men's championship Monday evening in Detroit.
