On cusp of 1,000 wins, Stringer reflects on her love for the game
It’s not the wins, or even the losses, that stand out the most to C. Vivian Stringer as she stands on the precipice of 1,000 career wins.
No, it’s been the passion for the game, the passion to teach the game, the interaction with the young women that have been trusted to her care, and most of all, it’s Stringer’s ability to rise above it all.
“I’m just so grateful that I still have the opportunity to shape the lives of these young women,’’ Stringer said Monday on a conference call. “I have always had it in my mind that you don’t ask for anything — you demonstrate, and you earn respect.’’
Now in her 48th season of coaching, when Stringer and her 2-0 Rutgers teams faces Central Connecticut State (0-2) on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the RAC, a win would bring the Hall of Fame coach her 1,000th career win and up her impressive career mark to 1000-402.
A win will also allow Stringer to become the sixth women’s coach to reach the 1,000 win plateau.
The late Pat Summitt leads with 1,098, followed by Tara VanDerveer (Stanford — 1037), Geno Auriemma (UConn — 1,027), Barbara Stevens (Bentley — 1,013) and Sylvia Hatchell (UNC — 1,007).
It’s a career that began at then-Cheyney State, then to Iowa and to Rutgers University in 1995.
One of the things that is most impressive is that in 47 seasons of coaching there have been only five losing seasons.
“This game teaches you in so many ways how to be humble,’’ said Stringer. “How to be appreciative but be respectful and hopefully I’ve been able to teach a lot of life’s lessons. You always have to do your best.’’
Stringer has always made the best of every situation, on and off the court.
As she nears the great milestone of 1,000 wins, her life has not always been about celebrations.
She lost her father when she was 19 years old, Stringer’s only daughter was stricken with spinal meningitis just prior to Cheyney going to the Final Four and her husband, Bill, her biggest supporter, suddenly passed away on Thanksgiving Day in 1992.
Stringer also dealt with breast cancer, which she kept a secret from nearly everyone.
There have been several mentors in Stringer’s life beginning with her late husband Bill, but possibly the most influential person was legendary basketball coach, John Chaney.
Chaney was the men’s coach at Cheyney when Stringer was coaching the women.
“Back then we’d be on the floor before practice, him and I just doing X’s and O’s just challenging each other,’’ recalled Stringer. “I attribute so much of my success to (what he) taught me and added a lot of confidence.’’