Eva Patterson-Heath Announces Retirement as FSU Head Women's Basketball Coach

Eva Patterson-Heath recorded
 an overall record of 91-76
 in six season at FSU, along
with  three CIAA Tournament
 Finals appearances
 and one CIAA Championship

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Eva Patterson-Heath, a native of Red Springs, NC, has decided to retire just before starting her seventh season as the women’s basketball head coach. She directed the Lady Broncos to three 20-win records in her previous six seasons and to three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament finals. Fayetteville State won the CIAA tournament title in Patterson-Heath's first season (2009-2010) and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament.

“It is time, I announce my decision to retire from coaching basketball at Fayetteville State University,” said Patterson-Heath. “I want to thank Chancellor James A. Anderson and previous Athletic Director Dr. Edward McLean for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level. I also would like to thank the young women throughout my career who committed themselves to aspire for greatness. I want to wish the University, Mr. Anthony Bennett, Director of FSU Athletics and the women's basketball program much success going forward.”

Before coming to FSU, Patterson-Heath produced a 503-128 record in 24 years as head girls' basketball coach at Red Springs High School. She leaves Fayetteville State with an overall coaching record of 91-76 and winning percentage of .545. Patterson-Heath ranks second all-time in coaching victories and third in winning percentage.

Fayetteville State University Department of Athletics has announced Walter Mebane as the interim head women’s basketball coach, effective November 20, 2015. Mebane has served as the associate head coach for five seasons at FSU.

Mebane served as the interim head coach of the Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball program to conclude the 2009-10 season. He also spent five seasons as head coach at Division I Hampton University.

“I would first like to thank Dr. Anderson and Mr. Bennett for entrusting me with this program during this time of change,” said Mebane. “Our program is prepared to roll up our sleeves and go to work. Our goal is make the University, our supporters, and the city of Fayetteville proud with our effort on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”

“The department of athletics has complete confidence and will fully support Coach Mebane as he transitions into the leadership role for our women’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Anthony Bennett. “Our focus and number one priority is providing the best overall experience for our student-athletes. Coach Mebane fits with that vision and will allow us to continue striving for competitive excellence.”

Mebane led Hampton to a 70-77 record from 2004-09, including a 51-35 mark in conference play. He guided Hampton to the 2009 MEAC Basketball Championship title game. Mebane arrived at Hampton in 1996 as the Director of Basketball Operations for the men's program before joining the staff of the women's team during the second half of the 1996-97 season.

Mebane will serve as the interim head coach for the reminder of the 2015-16 season. A nationwide search will be conducted at the conclusion of the season for a head women’s basketball coach.

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION