Coach Cathy Paskert

Come out to support the Red Hawks as they play in honor of MSU’s first women’s basketball coach, Cathy Paskert.

MSU’s women’s basketball team will be honoring former head coach, Cathy Paskert.

Save the date for Jan. 30, 2016 to witness the Panzer Athletic Center court come to life as the Montclair State University women’s basketball team plays in honor of Coach Catherine Paskert. Alumnae of the women’s basketball program will be in attendance to cheer on the team as well in this game against Ramapo College of New Jersey.

coach cathy paskert
Photo courtesy of Montclair State Sports Information.

Paskert passed away in late July 2015 at the age of 86. This Montclair State Athletic Hall of Fame inductee was the University’s first women’s basketball coach and remained for nearly 10 years from 1965-1974. During this time, the sport experienced the transition from club to varsity at MSU. Paskert led the team to a number of victories including an undefeated season in 1971 as well as winning the New Jersey State Championship in 1971, 1973 and 1974.

Graduating from Columbia University with a master’s degree and the University of Utah with a doctorate in health profession, Paskert also served as a professor at Montclair State University in the department of Health Professions for 25 years. She then joined the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee for a few more years before officially retiring.

“Dr. Paskert taught me many wonderful insights into the teaching of physical education and health and I will always remember many enlightening and fun times in her classes. She was my advisor all through undergraduate school and she guided me well. I am sad at her passing but I know she is in the minds and hearts of many of her former students from Panzer. She will be remembered and missed,” said Stella Thayer Hageman.

This pioneer in the coaching of women’s basketball will be recognized with a reception following the game. The University has also announced that the women’s basketball team room is to be named in honor of Paskert.

The game is set for 3 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2016 at Montclair State University. It will be held in the Panzer Athletic Center, located on the left hand side when driving into the main entrance of campus on Normal Avenue. Parking is available in the Red Hawk Parking Deck for all guests and visitors attending the event. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Beth Gottung at 973-655-3654 or gottungb@mail.montclair.edu.

For more information on the MSU women’s basketball team including upcoming games, stats, and more, visit montclairathletics.com. Donations in memory of Paskert are always appreciated and can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn., 38105.

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