Born: 1952 (Spangler, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Theresa Marie Shank Grentz is an American college basketball coach who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on March 24, 1952, in Spangler, Pennsylvania, Grentz’s coaching career spanned an impressive five decades, during which she garnered over 680 career wins, numerous national and conference coaching awards, and a national championship. Her incredible achievements have earned her a well-deserved spot in both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Grentz’s journey began in her hometown of Glenolden, Pennsylvania, where she grew up and honed her basketball skills. Her talent and dedication to the sport led her to Immaculata College, where she played college basketball. During her time at Immaculata, Grentz earned three All-American honors and was a key player on the team that won three consecutive AIAW national championships from 1972 to 1974. Her outstanding performance on the court and invaluable contributions to the team solidified her status as a basketball star.
After graduating from college, Grentz embarked on her coaching career as the head coach of the women’s basketball program at Saint Joseph’s College from 1974 to 1976. During her tenure, she laid the foundation for the program and set the stage for her future accomplishments. Grentz then moved on to Rutgers University–New Brunswick, where she served as the head women’s basketball coach from 1976 to 1995. This period marked a significant transition for the Rutgers program, as it moved from the AIAW to NCAA levels. Grentz led Rutgers to their final AIAW national championship in 1982 before the team transitioned to the NCAA and joined the Atlantic 10 Conference in 1983.
Under Grentz’s guidance, Rutgers experienced unprecedented success, winning eight Atlantic 10 regular season championships and four Atlantic 10 tournament championships. The team also made nine consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament—an impressive feat. Grentz’s exceptional coaching abilities and leadership earned her four Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honors and three national honors as well.
In 1995, Grentz took on a new challenge as the head coach of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s women’s basketball team. During her tenure at Illinois, she led the team to ten postseason appearances and secured the 1997 Big Ten Conference regular season title. Grentz’s commitment to excellence and her ability to cultivate a winning culture propelled the team to new heights.
After a seven-year hiatus from coaching, Grentz returned to the world of college basketball, this time at Lafayette College. She first served as an assistant coach for the 2014-2015 season before taking on the role of head coach from 2015 to 2017. Throughout her career, Grentz has consistently demonstrated her passion for the sport and her unwavering dedication to developing young athletes.
Beyond her contributions to college basketball, Grentz also made her mark on the international stage. She served as the head coach for the United States women’s national basketball team from 1985 to 1992. During this time, she led the team in several international competitions, including the 1992 Olympic Games, where they clinched the bronze medal. Grentz’s ability to coach at the highest level further solidifies her status as a basketball legend.
Awards:
– Inductee of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
– Inductee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame