Delaware Valley University head women’s basketball coach Laura Hogan ’90 announced her retirement from coaching on Monday morning, after 28 seasons at the helm.
Hogan was named the head coach of her alma mater prior to the 1996 season. Her 28 years behind the bench is the most of any coach in DelVal Athletics history. She is the program’s all-time leader in wins with 321 and led the Aggies to 11 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom playoff berths, six Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) playoff appearances and an ECAC South Region Championship.
“It’s not easy to leave,” said Hogan. “The DelVal students I’ve met are all very special and great people. This place has been my home for four years as a player and 28 as an employee, so more than half of my life I’ve been a part of DelVal, and for all of that I feel really blessed. From my very first graduating class to my most recent class, I can truly say I loved the first one as much as the last one, and every person I’ve met and coached in between.”
Hogan coached over 40 players to all-conference accolades including six rookies of the year and four conference MVPs.
Off the court, she held many roles within the DelVal Athletics department including administrative positions of Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator. She taught classes on campus and mentored students and student athletes along their academic journeys and into their professional careers. Many of Hogan’s former student athletes followed in her footsteps and have gone on to successful coaching careers including Alisa DiBonaventura (Widener) and Jackie Hartzell (Arcadia) who are current head coaches in the MAC.
It’s the lifelong relationships that Hogan will cherish the most. “I have so many great memories that I will take with me, both on and off the court. I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to a bunch of my players’ weddings and baby showers, and now I’m even watching some of my players’ kids play basketball now, so all those things are very special to me. It’s all about the relationships and seeing the girls grow and succeed and become friends.”
During her four years as a student-athlete, Hogan posted one of the greatest careers in DelVal basketball history. She graduated as the program’s all-time leader in scoring, steals, assists, and three pointers made, and held numerous single-season and single-game records as well. For her success and impact, she was enshrined in the DelVal Athletics and the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Hall of Fames.
“Laura has been a pillar upon which the foundation for Delaware Valley Athletics is built upon,” said DelVal executive director of athletics Dave Duda. “There has not been a finer representative for Delaware Valley Athletics. She excelled as a student athlete, coach, mentor and ambassador to so many. This void will be felt in various ways throughout our campus community. I have great appreciation for all that Laura has given of herself for the betterment of others.”
After graduating from DelVal, Hogan got right into coaching. She was contacted by Tom Shirley, head women’s basketball coach at Jefferson University and one of the most successful coaches in all of college basketball. Hogan served as Shirley’s assistant for seven years before returning to coach her alma mater.
“I really have to thank everyone that helped me along the way in this role, especially all of my assistant coaches. Most recently, Shannon Barlow who coached with me the last nine seasons and Catey McFadden – they were both so dedicated to this program and the hard work they put in every day really meant a lot to me. Also, the support staff and the administration, and everyone at DelVal, I’m very grateful for all their support. There is never going to be a good time to step away, but I know that this is the best time for me and for my family.”
In retirement, Hogan looks forward to spending more time with her two daughters Bridget and Katie, her husband Mike, her mom, and the rest of her extended family.
Click here to listen to Laura Hogan‘s interview with KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon as they look back at her illustrious career, the memories and the relationships made along the way.
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