Legendary women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer retires

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Head coach C. Vivian Stringer of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrates her 1,000 career win after defeating the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at the Rutgers Athletic Center on November 13, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer is retiring after a historic 50-year coaching career, Rutgers announced Saturday.

Stringer accrued 1,055 wins, four Final Four appearances and 28 NCAA Tournament showings in her storied career at Cheyney State, Iowa and Rutgers.

“I am officially announcing my retirement,” Stringer said in a release. “My life has been defined by coaching and I’ve been on this journey for over five decades. It is rare that someone gets to do what they love for this long and I have been fortunate to do that. I love Rutgers University for the incredible opportunity they offered me and the tremendous victories we achieved together.”

The iconic coach did not join the Rutgers team during the 2021-2022 season due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. Associate Tim Eatman took over for Stringer as the team’s head coach last season.

“This was the hardest decision of my life, but I thank God he has allowed me to do the thing I love most. I am ready to start my new journey and spending more time with my family, children, and grandchildren. I am truly blessed to have had so many wonderful people in my life.”

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.