IMMACULATA, Pa. - One of the most recognizable names and faces in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) has announced she is stepping down from coaching as Patricia Canterino will no longer roam the sideline as head coach of Immaculata University's women's basketball program. Canterino will remain as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Immaculata University.
 
"It is with a heavy heart that I am stepping down as the women's basketball coach," Canterino said. "I want to thank Sister Catarin Conjar and President Sister Patricia Fadden for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of coaching basketball at my alma mater, Immaculata University, for the last 15 years. I have been so blessed to coach so many great young women. Coaching provides an opportunity to impact lives in a positive manner on and off the court, but I am the one who has learned so much from my players and my coaching staff over the years.  I will walk away thankful for this incredible opportunity and with wonderful memories."

In addition to Canterino's announcement, Immaculata University also announced that assistant coach, and Immaculata University alum, Chrissy Esbensen was promoted to succeed Canterino. Canterino will enter her 16th year of service to her alma mater this fall as she continues in her role as AD.
 
Canterino was hired to succeed Sheila Pauley following the 1999-2000 season, and 15 years later, she leaves as the program's all-time winningest basketball coach with 185 victories.
 
Her 185 wins while at Immaculata are third to only Gwynedd Mercy's Keith Mondillo and Alvernia's Kevin Calabria among CSAC basketball coaches in the history of the league. She posted an all-time conference record of 122-118 for a career conference winning percentage of .508, and her 122 conference wins rank third on the CSAC ledger.
 
A two-time conference coach of the year, Canterino guided her charges into the postseason eight times, including each of her final two seasons as CSAC runner-up at the helm and five of her last six years. In 2011, Immaculata also played for the CSAC Championship the first of three times during Canterino's 15-year tenure.
 
Canterino has coached one Jostens Trophy finalist, four all-region selections, and one CSAC Rookie of the Year. In addition, a Mighty Mac has been named All-CSAC 27 times during Canterino's 15 years on campus.
 
Canterino was equally dedicated to producing results in the classroom and helping her players balance athletics and academics. The 2014-15 squad was the latest to earn a spot on the WBCA's Top 25 Team Honor Roll, holding down the 14th position with a grade point average of 3.524. Canterino's teams ranked among the top 25 in GPA for three-straight years from 2009-10 to 2011-12.
 
Canterino has spent the better part of two decades involved with the Immaculata women's basketball program. The 1992 graduate was a member of the Mighty Macs basketball squad from 1988-92. She spent the 1997-98 season as an assistant coach for Immaculata.