Born: 1948 (Edenborn, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Charlaine Vivian Stringer, better known as C. Vivian Stringer, was born on March 16, 1948, in Edenborn, Pennsylvania. She is widely recognized as an American former basketball coach who holds one of the best coaching records in the history of women’s basketball.
Stringer’s coaching career spanned over four decades, with her most notable tenure being as the head coach of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team from 1995 until her retirement in 2022. Throughout her impressive career, she left an indelible mark on the sport and became a trailblazer in women’s basketball.
Stringer’s achievements on the court are nothing short of remarkable. She is the first coach in NCAA history to lead three different women’s programs to the NCAA Final Four. She guided Rutgers to the Final Four in 2000 and 2007, the University of Iowa in 1993, and Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) in 1982. This feat firmly established Stringer as a prominent figure in women’s collegiate basketball.
Aside from her Final Four appearances, Stringer’s coaching prowess is further highlighted by her overall success on the court. She is the fifth winningest coach in women’s college basketball history, with an astonishing number of victories under her belt. On February 26, 2013, she secured her 900th win, joining an elite group of only four coaches in women’s basketball history to achieve this milestone.
Stringer’s contributions to the sport extend beyond the basketball court. Throughout her life, she has been a powerful advocate for equality and social justice. Even in high school, she displayed remarkable courage and resilience by suing her school for racial discrimination when they denied her a spot on the cheerleading squad. Her victory in the case not only allowed her to become the first black cheerleader in her town since 1955 but also demonstrated her unwavering determination to break barriers and challenge injustice.
Stringer’s impact reaches far beyond the confines of the basketball court and discrimination lawsuits. She has become an influential figure in women’s history, serving as a role model for generations of young athletes. Her dedication to empowering women and promoting inclusivity has inspired countless individuals to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Recognized for her exceptional coaching abilities, Stringer has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 1993, she was honored as the Naismith College Coach of the Year for women’s basketball, solidifying her status as one of the most respected coaches in the sport. In September 2009, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the game.
Awards:
– Naismith College Coach of the Year for women’s basketball (1993)
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (date unknown)
– Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (2009)
C. Vivian Stringer’s legacy as a coach, advocate, and role model is firmly etched into the annals of women’s basketball. Her unwavering determination, resilience in the face of adversity, and commitment to excellence mark her as one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history. Her impact on women’s basketball and society at large is immeasurable, leaving a lasting impression for generations to come.