GRAMBLING, Louisiana (April 20, 7:57 PM) -- After receiving numerous applications for the Women's Head Basketball Coaching position, a candidate has been selected.Alumna Patricia “Pat” Cage-Bibbs has accepted and will be Grambling State University next women's head basketball coach.
Bibbs, currently the head women's basketball coach for North Carolina A&T State University and previously coached at Hampton University became the 51st NCAA Division I Head Coach to join the 500 Victory Club, first head coach to win all 500 games at a NCAA D1 Historically Black University and coached the 6th Player at NCA&T to reach the 1000 career points. Coach Bibbs impressive resume sparked a strong interest for Grambling's women's basketball program.
Dr. Frank Pogue, President of Grambling State University states, “One of the reasons we created the university theme “A New Beginning” was to emphasize the importance of building on the excellent history for which Grambling State University is internationally known. The goal is to enhance excellence at all levels, especially in academic performance and athletics. It is widely known that Pat Bibbs' name and accomplishments are the best examples of excellence. She is also known as a scholar-athlete who has successfully merged classroom performance with athletic performance. She will return to her alma mater after achieving outstanding accomplishments, and we will be delighted to welcome her back home.”
“I am so elated to return to my alma mater where everything began for me. This opportunity will complete my coaching legacy, states Patricia Bibbs. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Pogue and Dr. Caldwell where I will have the opportunity be a part of a great team in moving the university forward in a positive direction. I am really excited and looking forward to the 2012-2013 basketball season. May God continue to lead and guide us.”
It is a great opportunity to hire a winning coach who has had a successful career such as Pat Bibbs. It is tough to find a successful head female coach especially one who has had such accomplishments in her career. It is unusual and special for a new Athletic Director to come across someone like Coach Bibbs and who is an alumna of the university as well. I look forward to having Coach Bibbs on staff and being a part of our team,” says Grambling State University new Athletic Director Dr. Percy Caldwell.
Grambling State University ended its 2011-2012 women's basketball season with an overall 15-15 season and an overall 10-8 conference season.
COURTESY: DEBRA JOHNSON, GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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| LEGENDARY COACH PATRICIA CAGE-BIBBS HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY CAREER RECORD: 501-294 VISIT: COACH BIBBS.COM (PHOTO BY KEVIN DORSEY) |
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Patricia Cage-Bibbs has resigned as the head women's basketball coach at North Carolina A&T. Bibbs, a graduate of Grambling State University, was announced as the school's next head women's basketball coach today.
The legendary coach spent the last seven seasons at A&T, where she compiled a 130-88 record. Bibbs' .596 winning percentage is the best in school history, and her win total is second all-time behind Tim Abney. She recently became the first women's basketball coach in history to win 500 career games exclusively at a Division I historically black college or university.
"The wonderful and kindhearted people at North Carolina A&T will always be a part of my extended family," said Bibbs, who has a career record of 501-294. "There are not enough words to express my gratitude for all Aggie Nation has meant to me and my family.
At this time in my life however, I want to be closer to my immediate family," the Louisiana native continued. "I'm looking forward to the fortunate opportunity I have to coach at my alma mater again. I will miss the A&T fans and my players so, so much, but I will cherish all the outstanding memories we shared."
A&T fans have a lot to cherish. The A&T women won just 37 games in the six seasons prior to Bibbs' arrival in April of 2005. By season three, Bibbs turned the Aggies into the MEAC's premiere team. The 2007-08 season started a string of three consecutive MEAC regular-season championships. A&T compiled a dominant record of 44-4 in conference play during that span. The team solidified its place in history by winning the 2009 MEAC Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 14 seed. At the time, it was the highest seed ever earned by a Division I HBCU. The 2008-09 team also won a school-record 26 games.
The following season, the Aggies made even more history under Bibbs. They won their first two games of the 2010 postseason WNIT, and became the first Division I HBCU to win two consecutive games in a NCAA-sponsored postseason tournament. Bibbs boasts wins over Wake Forest, Charlotte (twice) and Clemson during her time at A&T. Five of North Carolina A&T's 12 1,000-point career scorers are Bibbs signees. She won MEAC Coach of the Year in 2008 and '09.
Bibbs' 27 seasons of collegiate coaching include a 13-year stay at Grambling State and a seven-year stint at Hampton University. She has made nine postseason appearances, won 12 regular-season titles and 10 conference tournament titles. Her teams have won 20 or more games 13 times, have finished in first or second place 19 times and she has won conference coach of the year on 10 separate occasions.
Two of Bibbs' most memorable milestones came as the Aggies head coach. A&T defeated UNC Asheville 88-62 at UNC Greensboro's Fleming Gymnasium on Nov. 23, 2007 to secure Bibbs' 400th career win. Win No. 500 occurred on Feb. 27, 2012, as the Aggies defeated Savannah State 88-74 in Savannah, Ga.
"We had the privilege of being in the presence of a true college basketball coaching legend," said A&T Director of Athletics Earl Hilton. "We are honored that many of coach Bibbs' milestones were achieved at North Carolina A&T. Those moments will always be a part of our storied history. What cannot be overlooked in the midst of all these accomplishments is the fact that Patricia Cage-Bibbs is a great champion for women's athletics. We wish her continued success at Grambling State."
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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