Charlaine Vivian Stringer is a distinguished former basketball coach, renowned for her exceptional contributions to women’s basketball. She served as the head coach of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team from 1995 until her retirement in 2022, amassing one of the best coaching records in NCAA history. Stringer made history as the first coach to lead three different women’s programs to the NCAA Final Four, achieving this remarkable feat with Rutgers in 2000 and 2007, the University of Iowa in 1993, and Cheyney State College in 1982. Her coaching prowess has earned her a place as the fifth winningest coach in women’s college basketball history.

Throughout her illustrious career, Stringer has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Naismith College Coach of the Year award in 1993. She reached a significant milestone on February 26, 2013, when she won her 900th game, becoming only the fourth coach in women’s basketball history to achieve this. Stringer’s impact on the sport was further solidified with her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the game.

Stringer’s coaching journey at Rutgers began with a commitment to fostering a culturally inclusive environment for her players. Under her leadership, the Scarlet Knights achieved their first 20-win season in four years in 1998, culminating in a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Her teams consistently demonstrated resilience and skill, highlighted by their remarkable upset of the #1 seed Duke to reach the Final Four in 2007.

Beyond her coaching achievements, Stringer has made significant contributions to the development of women’s basketball as an administrator and mentor. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and has served on various boards and committees dedicated to the sport. Stringer’s legacy is not only defined by her wins but also by her commitment to empowering young athletes and advocating for diversity and inclusion in sports.