Born: April 29, 1954 (Yeadon, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Marianne Crawford Stanley (born April 29, 1954) is an American basketball coach who has made significant contributions to the sport throughout her career. She has coached at both the collegiate and professional levels, leaving a lasting impact on the teams she led.
Born in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, Stanley developed a passion for basketball from a young age. She excelled in the sport during her high school years at Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Her skills on the court earned her a place in the Prendergast Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.
Continuing her basketball journey, Stanley went on to play collegiate basketball at Immaculata College. During her time at Immaculata, the women’s basketball team achieved remarkable success. From 1972 to 1977, they reached the AIAW basketball tournament final fours six times consecutively and reached the finals five times from 1972 to 1976. Incredibly, the team claimed three consecutive national championships from 1972 to 1974. Stanley’s teammates included future prominent women’s coaches Theresa Grentz and Rene Portland.
Stanley’s impact on women’s basketball extended beyond the court. On January 26, 1975, she played in the first nationally televised women’s intercollegiate basketball game, a landmark event that showcased the growing popularity and recognition of women’s sports. She also participated in the first women’s basketball game played in Madison Square Garden on February 22, 1975. Immaculata secured a victory over Queens College on this historic occasion.
The extraordinary accomplishments of the Immaculata women’s basketball team did not go unnoticed. Their story was brought to the big screen in 2011 with the release of the movie The Mighty Macs. The team’s impact on the sport was further recognized when they were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, highlighting their significant contribution to women’s basketball.
Following her playing career, Stanley transitioned seamlessly into coaching. She began as an assistant coach at Immaculata under her former coach, Cathy Rush. Her first head coach position came in 1977-78 at Old Dominion University, where she led the team to victory in the NWIT tournament. This success continued with back-to-back wins in the AIAW women’s basketball tournament in 1979 and 1980.
In 1984-85, Stanley guided the Old Dominion University team to the NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championship, capping off a remarkable season with a 31–3 record. Her leadership and coaching prowess helped elevate the team to new heights.
Stanley’s coaching career continued to flourish as she transitioned to various coaching positions at Penn, USC, Stanford, and California. In 2000, she entered the professional realm as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Sparks in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her extensive experience and expertise made her a valuable asset to the team.
In 2001, Stanley joined the Washington Mystics as an assistant coach, further solidifying her reputation in the WNBA. Just a year later, in 2002, she was appointed as the head coach of the Mystics. Stanley’s leadership abilities shone through as she guided the team to the Eastern Conference finals, earning her the prestigious title of WNBA Coach of the Year.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to women’s basketball, Stanley was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. This honor further solidified her legacy in the sport.
Stanley continued her coaching journey in 2004 when she joined the New York Liberty as an assistant coach. However, her love for college basketball called her back, and she returned to the collegiate coaching ranks in September 2006 as an assistant to C. Vivian Stringer at Rutgers University. Together, they led the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA finals in 2007, showcasing Stanley’s ability to cultivate a winning culture wherever she went.
Throughout her career, Stanley has had a significant influence on the growth and development of women’s basketball. Her dedication, passion, and exceptional coaching abilities have left an indelible mark on the teams she has led and the sport as a whole. Her contributions have inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams in basketball and beyond.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Prendergast Hall of Fame in 2014
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of the Immaculata women’s basketball team
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002
– Named WNBA Coach of the Year in 2002