HACKENSACK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson athletic department and women's basketball program are saddened to learn of the passing of former coach Cathy Inglese.
 
The longtime women's basketball mentor coached as an assistant with the Knights for the past two seasons before recently taking a job as the associate head coach at Hofstra University. Over her career, Inglese's coaching stops included New Hampshire, Vermont, Boston College, Rhode Island, Fairleigh Dickinson and Hofstra.
 
"Our heartfelt condolences to Cathy's family, friends and former coaching colleagues and players. We are all deeply saddened," said FDU Director of Athletics, Bradford Hurlbut. "Cathy inspired her players and colleagues each day with her infectious energy and passion for the game. The women's basketball world has lost one of its legends." 
 
"Our hearts are extremely heavy to learn of the passing of such a remarkable person and a coach," said Knights head coach Angelika Szumilo. "Cathy had made an incredible impact on our players' lives on and off the court. She was a passionate and caring person who loved to put a smile on the player's face. Her kindness and selflessness touched everyone she came across. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Inglese family and the Hofstra family during this very difficult time."
 
Inglese arrived in Hackensack before the start of the 2017-18 season and was later promoted to Associate Head Coach prior to the 2018-19 campaign. She helped the Knights improve by seven wins in her first season, as FDU reached 15 wins for the first time in 12 years.
 
Prior to FDU, the 27-year head coach led successful programs at Vermont, Boston College and Rhode Island. She reached 20 wins in a season 11 different times, made 10 NCAA Tournaments and coached six WNBA draft picks. She was a four-time conference coach of the year and made three Sweet 16 appearances, winning three conference tournament titles and two regular-season titles.
 
Inglese also coached back-to-back perfect regular seasons at Vermont, going 28-0 in 1992 and 29-0 the following season for a streak of 57 consecutive victories. Fifty-three players made all-conference teams under Inglese, and she won over 400 games as a head coach.