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Dawn Staley, hoops community pays tribute to C. Vivian Stringer

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Head coach C. Vivian Stringer of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Athletic Center on January 20, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)

The basketball community is paying tribute to C. Vivian Stringer after the legendary coach announced her retirement Saturday.

The Rutgers coach ends her illustrious career after 50 years, and 1,055 wins.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley thanked Stringer, addressing the retirement in a message posted to her Twitter account. “The strength of your shoulders allowed us to stand tall. We will forever keep your legacy in our hearts. Thank you Coach Stringer,” wrote Staley.

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jackson also spoke about Stringer’s legacy, writing, “OH WOW! This hit me in my gut! The lady who stood out front for us and gave us all hope! Coach Stringer two words – Thank You! And I Love You!”

NC State’s Diamond Johnson paid tribute to her former coach, playing under Stringer for the 2020-2021 season before transferring away from Rutgers to join the Wolfpack.

“Coach stringer, C.Viv  One of the greatest to ever do it. I’ve learned so much from you within a year that I will keep with me forever! Thanks for everything, women empowerment, your love for the sports, & every thing you’ve went through just to coach us and many more we love u,” wrote Johnson.

WNBA star Sue Bird congratulated Stringer on a historic career which includes an induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Stringer’s retirement will become effective on September 1, and a national search for the school’s next women’s basketball coach will begin immediately.