Cathy Rush

Cathy Rush never wasted time, and never settled for anything less than greatness. She began her coaching career at Immaculata College in 1970, less than two years after graduating from West Chester University. Lacking even the luxury of a homecourt, the Mighty Macs won three consecutive AIAW national championships beginning in 1972. From 1972 to 1977, the Rush-led Macs appeared in six straight AIAW Final Fours. Her stint at the small Catholic school for women lasted only seven seasons, but her footprint on the game of women’s basketball is still evident today. Rush is widely acknowledged for shining the national spotlight on women’s basketball and playing a crucial role in establishing scholarship money for female student-athletes. She was named AMF-Voit Coach of the Year in 1973 and 1974 for her efforts and her 1975 Immaculata team squared off against Maryland in the first ever nationally televised women’s game.