Born: April 7, 1947 (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
Biography:
Cathy Rush (born Cathy Cowan; April 7, 1947) was the head women’s basketball coach at Immaculata from 1972 to 1977. She led Immaculata to three consecutive AIAW national titles from 1972–1974. She led the Mighty Macs to six consecutive final four appearances in her six seasons with the school, attaining a 149–15 record. Rush was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on April 7, 2008. She had also been inducted to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
A resident of Ventnor City, New Jersey, Rush grew up in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey and graduated from Oakcrest High School in 1964. She received a Bachelor of Science in 1968 and a master’s degree in education in 1972, both from West Chester University. She has two children with her ex-husband, former National Basketball Association referee and Supervisor of Officials Ed T. Rush.
The Mighty Macs, a movie about the season leading to the winning of the first women’s national basketball championship in 1972, was released in October 2011. Rush is played by Carla Gugino.
Early life
Rush was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on April 7, 1947 to John and Alice Cowan. She grew up in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, a township with over 40,000 residents in 2010, but approximately 5,000 when she was in elementary school. Her elementary school consisted of two rooms, with a single teacher for each room. One room housed the first through third grades, while the other room was for the fourth through sixth grades. When she reached eighth grade, Rush began playing basketball in the Six-on-six basketball style. Her scoring average was 30 points per game, which earned her the nickname Big Gun, and she helped earn a position at the county tournament.
In her freshman year, she attended the brand new Oakcrest High School. She played basketball for the high school team, and despite being a freshman, won the county scoring title. However, when she became a sophomore, she learned that the school had dropped interscholastic sports for girls. At the same time, a new teacher arrived with gymnastics experience. The teacher started a gymnastics team, and Rush threw herself into gymnastics. She was appointed team captain and specialized in the trampoline. Although not an interscholastic activity, the team toured and put on halftime shows and demonstrations. Rush graduated from the high school in 1964.
College
Rush decided to attend West Chester State College in nearby Pennsylvania, majoring in physical education. She played on the basketball team for the first two years, but when the basketball coach left, she dropped basketball and switched to gymnastics. She graduated in 1968.
Coaching—high school and Immaculata
After college, Rush returned to her high school, Oakcrest, to teach physical education and coach both the basketball and field hockey teams. She coached there for four years before leaving to coach at Immaculata.
In 1972, Rush was hired as the head basketball coach at Immaculata College in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The team had enjoyed moderate success in the past but had never won a national championship. Rush quickly implemented a new system and philosophy for the team, emphasizing strong fundamentals, disciplined play, and teamwork. Through her leadership, the Mighty Macs transformed into a dominant force in women’s basketball.
Rush led Immaculata to three consecutive AIAW national championships from 1972 to 1974. In addition to their national success, the Mighty Macs made six consecutive appearances in the final four during Rush’s tenure. Her coaching record at Immaculata was an impressive 149–15.
Rush’s coaching style and success at Immaculata inspired a generation of female athletes and helped popularize women’s basketball. She became known for her innovative strategies, attention to detail, and ability to motivate her players. Rush’s teams were known for their disciplined play, selfless teamwork, and relentless determination.
In recognition of her outstanding coaching career, Rush was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Her impact on women’s basketball, both on and off the court, is immeasurable.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000
– Inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2005