In Memory of Cathy Inglese

Cathy Inglese, who coached the Boston College women’s basketball team from 1993-2008, passed away late last night, a week after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a fall. Inglese, who coached at Rhode Island and Fairleigh Dickinson after her time at BC ended, had recently been hired as an assistant coach at Hofstra.

Inglese is best remembered by BC fans for coaching the women’s basketball team to greatness, including 3 Sweet Sixteen appearances and the 2004 Big East Championship During the 2004 season BC also won a record 27 games, and Coach Inglese led the Eagles to numerous 20 win seasons. She helped the Eagles to post victories against top tier teams like UConn and ended her BC career with a 239–151 record. Inglese coached and recruited many of the programs top players, including Amber Jacobs, Cal Bouchard, Becky Gottstein, Brianne Stepherson, and Holly Porter.

Current BC women’s basketball coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee recalled that “Cathy was so well respected in our coaching community for not only her basketball IQ but the way she treated others,” and anybody who met Coach Inglese can back up that statement. I know that I, as a preteen BC women’s basketball fan who spent so much time at Conte for games and camps, and who was constantly doing school projects about the team and the players, had nothing but positive interactions with Cathy, who was so kind and respectful to an awkward, obsessed young fan.

BC Interruption sends our thoughts to Cathy’s family, friends, and former players. Her loss is tragic for all who knew her and for all who love women’s basketball.

We will provide details on organizations that the family suggests for memorial donations as soon as we have that information.