Boston University Women's Basketball Coach Christine Basile Announces Retirement
March 30, 1999 | Women's Basketball
BOSTON - Christine Basile, who has served as the head coach of the Boston University women's basketball program for the last 16 years, announced her retirement, effective June 30.
"The past 16 years at Boston University were an extraordinary learning experience that will continue to be with me for the rest of the my life, " Basile said. "I feel I gave it all that I had, but it is time to move on. I believe the Boston University women's basketball program has a tremendous amount of potential, and, I would like to thank all of the student-athletes for their fine commitment on and off the court."
"It came as a surprise and a disappointment when Chris told me of her decision today to retire, " Boston University Director of Athletics Gary Strickler said. "Even though her contract would have expired this summer, I did offer her an extension just a short time ago because I was convinced she and her staff had the program headed in the right direction. As a result, they have put in place a very good product for the next coach."
Hired in 1983 after a three-year stint as an assistant coach at the University of New Hampshire, Basile posted a 204-237 career record as the Terriers' head coach. She guided the Terriers to back-to-back Seaboard Conference Championships in 1987-88 and 1988-89, including a school-record 21 victories in the 1987-88 campaign.
The 1987 Seaboard Conference Coach of the Year, Basile coached 19 players that earned All-Conference accolades, including three that were named as the circuit's Rookie of the Year. The winningest coach in Boston University men's and women's basketball history, Basile earned her 200th career victory on November 29, 1998 with a win over Marist. In addition, she is second all-time among all America East coaches with her 204 victories.
B.U. finished the 1998-99 season with a 5-22 mark, and will return 12 letterwinners, including Alison Dixon, the team's top scorer (17.3 ppg) and rebounder (6.2 rpg).
Strickler said he will begin to review candidates immediately.
