C. Vivian Stringer

1. Vivian Stringer is an American former basketball coach renowned for her extensive career in women's basketball. She was the head coach of the Rutgers University women's basketball team from 1995 until her retirement in 2022.

Stringer is distinguished as the first coach in NCAA history to lead three different women's programs to the NCAA Final Four: Rutgers in 2000 and 2007, the University of Iowa in 1993, and Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) in 1982. With over 800 victories, Stringer ranks among the top coaches in women's college basketball history. Her teams have made 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, consistently showcasing her ability to lead and develop competitive teams. Stringer's accolades include being named the Naismith College Coach of the Year in 1993 and multiple "Coach of the Year" recognitions by various organizations including Sports Illustrated and USA Today in the same year. She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Beyond her coaching success, Stringer has made significant contributions to the sport's development. She served as an assistant coach for the gold-medal-winning 2004 US Olympic Team. She has been a pivotal member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and a voting member of the WBCA Board of Directors. Her leadership extends to her involvement with basketball and sports organizations, including the Amateur Basketball Association of the United States and the Nike Coaches Advisory Board. Stringer’s memoir, "Standing Tall: A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph," provides insights into her personal and professional life, reflecting her resilience and dedication to basketball.