The Good 5 Cent Cigar

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Lauren Gingerella Cathy Inglese, formerly a women's basketball coach at Boston College, announced yesterday during a press conference that she will be coaching the University of Rhode Island women's basketball team next season. The move comes after head coach and URI alumnus Tom Garrick announced he would be stepping down from his position.

Media Credit: Lauren Gingerella President Robert L. Carothers, new women's basketball coach Cathy Inglese, Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn and Rhody the Ram pose together with a jersey representing Inglese's new team.

04/15/09 - Newly-hired women's basketball coach Cathy Inglese was welcomed to the University of Rhode Island at yesterday's press conference in the Alumni Room in the Thomas F. Ryan Center.

The afternoon was kicked off by the introduction of President L. Robert Carothers, who discussed the decision to hire Inglese.

"We now have one of the premier coaches in the country," Carothers said. "With Cathy Inglese, we have a great chance to bring it up to another level."

After an introduction from Carothers, Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn thanked the search committee for its help.

"What we have here is a strong basis to be successful," Bjorn said, citing his confidence in coach Inglese. "We have the ability to put together a championship program."

He added, "I'm excited to be a part of everything she is doing."

After Bjorn's discussion, it was time to introduce the new coach.

"I did not expect to have this kind of crowd here to greet me," Inglese said, referencing the crowd of approximately 75 members of the media, URI staff and faculty present. "It tells me a lot about what URI is all about."

Inglese began followed up by wishing luck to Carothers in his life after he steps down from the URI presidency this June and thanking everyone present at the press conference that made her appointment possible.

"I'm thrilled to be here," Inglese said. "URI seems like a good fit."

Previous to signing with URI, Inglese has coached Boston College and the University of Vermont, winning more than 350 games in the process. In 2004, Inglese coached BC to their first ever Big East championship, winning a school record 27 games. She also coached two UVM teams that finished with undefeated seasons.

"This is a chance to grow and to have new traditions," Inglese said.

Inglese said she was happy to be continuing her career here in New England, where she grew up and did all of her coaching.

"URI's a great fit because of the family atmosphere," Inglese said. "You can tell how everybody works together."

She then told the audience of her fondness for living by the ocean. She shared a story about her experience at a beach in Narragansett that occurred this past January 1st.

In the story Inglese was walking down the beach with her dog, looking at the water and thinking how nice it would be to go for a swim. She decided to do so, despite it being 30 degrees or less.

"I have never run faster than I did when I ran out of that water," Inglese said.

Inglese then made the joke that if any members of the team were interested in dipping into freezing cold waters in early January that she would make it a team bonding experience next year. Inglese emphasized team bonding as an essential part of building next year's athletes.

"I want to help them figure out where they are now and where they can get to," Inglese said.

The 20-season coaching veteran then explained the importance of the word 'we.' She explained that 'we' not only pertains to her and the team, but also the faculty and staff, parents and families of the players, athletic trainers and academic advisors.

Inglese also briefly discussed her "game plan," saying she likes a team that can run, but can also control the ball and execute when necessary.

When asked why she chose to come to URI, Inglese clarified that it had to do a lot with the New England area.

"I'm helping to be part of creating a new tradition," Inglese said.

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