Today, the sport of basketball parted ways with one of its legendary figures, C. Vivian Stringer. Not long after completing her 50th season as a coach, Stringer has announced that she will retire as the women’s basketball coach at Rutgers University. Her departure from the university will be effective beginning September 1, 2022.
“My life has been defined by coaching and I’ve been on this journey for over five decades. It is rare that someone gets to do what they love for this long and I have been fortunate to do that,” Stringer said in a press release, according to ESPN.
“This was the hardest decision of my life, but I thank God he has allowed me to do the thing I love most. I am ready to start my new journey and spending more time with my family, children, and grandchildren. I am truly blessed to have had so many wonderful people in my life.”
Stringer built her legendary resumé at Rutgers University, Cheyney State University and the University of Iowa. She has appeared in 28 NCAA tournaments and secured four Final Four berths. Along the way, she was honored as the Naismith College Coach of the Year in 1993 and inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Over the years, a number of WNBA players have emerged from her programs, including Cappie Pondexter, Kia Vaughn, Epiphanny Prince, Arella Guirantes and reigning WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper.
“We are not worthy of this legendary coach C. Vivian Stringer,” Chris Williamson of SNY Sports tweeted.
“Coach Stringer thank you for elevating our game. The strength of your shoulders allowed us to stand tall. We will forever keep your legacy in our hearts. Thank you Coach Stringer,” South Carolina Women’s Basketball Coach Dawn Staley added.
Rutgers will rename the court at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Stringer’s honor.
"Thank you, Coach Stringer."
Dawn Staley's tribute to C. Vivian Stringer never gets old ??? pic.twitter.com/NRov7SKz9Z
— espnW (@espnW) April 30, 2022
