MIES (Switzerland) — Former American coach Cathy Rush left such an indelible mark on women's basketball that she was honored with a movie retracing her journey.
Cathy Rush was a visionary coach who transformed women's college basketball. In 1972, less than two years after graduating, she became head coach at Immaculata University, a small Catholic school in Philadelphia struggling financially and lacking facilities — even proper uniforms.
Against all odds, Rush led The Mighty Macs to three consecutive AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) national championships, from 1972 to 1974.
During her six seasons with the team, she led them to six AIAW Final Fours, achieving an incredible 149-15 record.
Her inspiring journey was brought to the big screen in The Mighty Macs (2009), an uplifting film about resilience, teamwork, and the power of believing in the impossible—a must-watch for basketball and film lovers alike!
In addition to her success at Immaculata, Rush also played a big role in shaping women's basketball.
In 1975, she coached the U.S. team to gold at the Pan American Games in Mexico, leading a dominant squad featuring legends like Lusia Harris and FIBA Hall of Famers Pat Summitt and Ann Meyers. That same year, she became a key member of the first U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Committee.
Despite retiring from coaching, Cathy Rush was always involved in the game. Beyond the court, Rush dedicated her career to mentoring young athletes, founding summer camps and coaching clinics. Her immense contributions earned her inductions into both the Naismith Memorial and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, securing her place as a pioneer in the sport.
***
The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
FIBA’s cultural heritage is the heart of the FIBA Foundation’s cultural and historical activities. It is one of the driving forces behind the promotion and dissemination of FIBA’s values.