Champions on the court and in the classroom, St. Francis College Women’s Basketball Head Coach John Thurston is retiring after six years leading the Division I team to new heights.
“Coach Thurston has been a tremendous leader for our Women’s Basketball program,” said Director of Athletics, Irma Garcia ’80. “His student-athletes excelled both on and off the court and the graduates of this program have gone on to do amazing things in the world.”
The 2014-15 women’s squad won the Northeast Conference Championship, sending a St. Francis team to the NCAA Basketball Tournament for the first time. One year later, the Terriers finished with the highest GPA in the nation for NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball at 3.712.
“Even though I only had a few months to get to know Coach Thurston, I saw right away how much he cares about his players,” said President Miguel Martinez-Saenz. “His focus on helping to graduate well-rounded young women really underscores the emphasis he placed on the student in student-athlete.”
Under Thurston’s leadership, the women’s team set a college record for victories, developing several all-conference players including women who have gone on to play professionally in leagues around the world.
“I will be forever grateful to the young women who have come through our program these past six years,” said Coach Thurston. “What they have accomplished both academically and athletically during this time has been remarkable.”
“I would like to thank St Francis College Director of Athletics Irma Garcia and former College President Brendan Dugan for giving me the opportunity to share in the journey of these wonderful ladies who have been part of Terrier basketball. While our current players are making an impact here at school, our graduates are making their mark in their professional lives both regionally and around the world.”
“As a coach you have the best seat in the house in watching student athletes use their collegiate basketball experience to help prepare themselves for the challenges that life after college presents. For me though, coaching through five different decades has offered an opportunity for personal growth and education while working with young men and women from different backgrounds and cultures as well as different parts of this country and the world. Wins and championships are nice but the learning and sharing of experiences were the real reward.”
The Department of Athletics at St. Francis College will begin a national search for a new Women’s Head Basketball coach.
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