Born: 1929
Died: November 24, 2020
Biography:
Rose Marie Battaglia (1929 – November 24, 2020) was an American basketball coach who made significant contributions to the sport at both the high school and college levels. Known for her passion and dedication, she left a lasting impact on the basketball community and was recognized for her accomplishments throughout her career.
Battaglia’s journey began at the Panzer School of Physical Education, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. Eventually, Panzer School combined with Montclair State University and became Montclair State Teacher College in 1958. Battaglia graduated from Montclair State in 1966 and embarked on furthering her education by pursuing a PhD at the University of Utah. During this time, she temporarily paused her career in physical education but continued to teach and inspire others through the game of basketball by running her own clinics.
Battaglia’s coaching career took off at Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey, where she quickly gained recognition for her skillful leadership and coaching abilities. Under her guidance, the team achieved an impressive record of 274 victories and secured two consecutive state championships. Alongside her role at Paramus Catholic, Battaglia also served as a coach at Bergen Community College, which was conveniently located across the street. In the college arena, she further showcased her coaching prowess, accumulating an astounding 702 victories combined between Bergen Community College and Iona College. Throughout her career, Battaglia also contributed to the success of St Michael’s in Union City and Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth.
Battaglia’s legacy in the world of basketball is marked by her numerous achievements and well-deserved recognitions. In 1996, she was inducted into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame, followed by her induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2000, Battaglia received the New Jersey Collegiate Basketball Coaches Association Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her significant contributions to the college basketball community. The following year, she was honored with the WBCA Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying her status as a respected figure in the sport.
One of the pinnacle moments in Battaglia’s career came in 2018, when she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alongside six other esteemed individuals, Battaglia was recognized for her exceptional impact on the game and her unwavering dedication to elevating women’s basketball.
Battaglia’s commitment to the sport, her students, and the advancement of women’s basketball has forever shaped the landscape of the game. Her influence extended far beyond the court, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and achieve greatness. Rose Marie Battaglia will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and an icon in women’s basketball.
Awards:
– Inductee into the NJCAA Hall of Fame (1999)
– Inductee into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame (1996)
– Recipient of the WBCA Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award (1998)
– Recipient of the New Jersey Collegiate Basketball Coaches Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2000)
– Inductee into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2018)