**Holy Cross Women's Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence and Inspiration**

**Introduction**

The Holy Cross Women's Basketball program has a storied history that spans over five decades. With a rich tradition of success, the Crusaders have consistently competed at the highest levels of collegiate basketball while also inspiring generations of student-athletes and fans.

**A Rich History of Success**

Founded in 1974, the Holy Cross Women's Basketball program has achieved remarkable success throughout its history. The Crusaders have won 16 conference championships and made 14 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including one Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2007.

Over the years, Holy Cross has produced several outstanding players, including:

• Jill Costello'79: A three-time All-American who led the Crusaders to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1979.
• Sheila Cooney'97: A two-time All-American who holds the school record for points scored (2,327).
• Whitney Fremeau'13: A three-time Patriot League Player of the Year who led the Crusaders to back-to-back conference championships in 2012 and 2013.

**Competitive Excellence**

The Holy Cross Women's Basketball program has consistently competed in the top half of its conference standings. The Crusaders have won seven consecutive Patriot League regular season championships from 2014 to 2020 and four consecutive Patriot League Tournament championships from 2017 to 2020.

In 2022, the Crusaders finished with a 25-7 overall record and a 16-2 conference record, earning them the Patriot League regular season and tournament championships. They also made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they fell in the first round to the University of Connecticut.

**Academic Achievement**

In addition to their athletic success, the Holy Cross Women's Basketball program is known for its commitment to academic excellence. The Crusaders have consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation for team GPA. In the 2022-23 academic year, the team had a team GPA of 3.92, which was the highest in the Patriot League.

**Effective Strategies**

The Holy Cross Women's Basketball program has achieved success through a combination of effective strategies:

• Strong Leadership: Head coach Maureen Magarity has been at the helm of the program for 32 seasons, guiding the Crusaders to numerous championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the team's success.
• Player Development: The coaching staff at Holy Cross is committed to player development. They use a variety of methods to help players improve their skills, fitness, and mental toughness. This approach has resulted in a consistent pipeline of talented players who are ready to compete at the highest level.
• Teamwork and Chemistry: The Crusaders have always been a team-oriented squad. Players are encouraged to work together and support each other, both on and off the court. This strong team chemistry has been a key factor in their success.

**How to Support the Holy Cross Women's Basketball Team**

There are many ways to support the Holy Cross Women's Basketball team:

• Attend Games: The Crusaders play their home games at the Hart Center on the Holy Cross campus in Worcester, Massachusetts. Attending a game is a great way to show your support and cheer on the team.
• Donate: Financial contributions to the Holy Cross Women's Basketball program help to fund scholarships, equipment, and other resources that are essential for the team's success.
• Volunteer: Volunteer opportunities are available for fans of all ages to help with game day operations, team events, and other activities.

**Conclusion**

The Holy Cross Women's Basketball program is a source of pride for the university and the entire Worcester community. With its rich history of success, competitive excellence, and commitment to academic achievement, the program serves as a model for women's basketball at all levels. By supporting the Crusaders, you are investing in the future of women's basketball and helping to empower the next generation of leaders.

**Additional Information**

Official Website: Holy Cross Women's Basketball

Social Media:

• Twitter: @HCWBasketball
• Instagram: @hcwbasketball
• Facebook: @HolyCrossWBB

Contact Information:

• Address:** Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609
• Phone:** (508) 831-5474
• Email:** athletics@holycross.edu