After Wednesday night’s non-conference 58-33 win over Caldwell University, Rams women’s basketball head coach Tom Shirley reached 900 career wins as a coach.
Shirley achieved this monumental feat in his 43rd season as a head coach, with 35 of those years coming during his tenure with Jefferson.
Shirley is currently the active Division II women’s head coach career-wins leader and trails only Barbara Stevens (1,058) for all-time wins, active or retired. With the 900th win, he ranks 10th among coaches in all college divisions and with four more wins, he would move up to ninth all-time. He currently ranks third on the active head coaches list through Division I, II, and III coaches.
“While reaching 900 career wins is recognized as an individual achievement, it must be applauded as a group effort,” Coach Shirley said after the game. “Certainly, generations of very good players, who were terrific student athletes, helped make this possible. The assistant coaches, university staff and a supportive administration also deserve recognition.”
Among those administration members who lauded Shirley’s accomplishments were University President Dr. Susan C. Aldridge and Assistant Vice President for Athletics Corey Goff.
“Coach Shirley is an extraordinary professional, as well as a remarkable coach,” Dr. Aldridge says. “Having sustained such a high level for success for as long as he has speaks to his commitment to give back to his student-athletes and the Jefferson community as a whole. We are so proud of his accomplishments on and off the court.”
Goff concurs.
“Coach Shirley’s milestone of 900 career victories is a testament to his unwavering dedication and profound impact on our community. His influence extends beyond the basketball court, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes and mentoring fellow coaches,” he says. “Coach Shirley has built a culture of excellence, integrity and personal growth. We are incredibly grateful for the positive legacy he continues to create.”
Between his time with the Rams and, previously, the DeSales University Bulldogs, Shirley has had 38 winning seasons, including 20+ wins in 32 of those. His most successful came last season when the Rams went 32-2, breaking numerous school records along the way including 23 consecutive wins, four 1,000-point scorers, all-time assist leader, a CACC title, and NCAA East Region Finals appearance.
Shirley has won three CACC Coach of the Year awards, nine conference titles (5 CACC, 2 ECAC, 2 NYCAC) while making 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. He produced 44 All-CACC players, six who were All-American.
“I truly appreciate the consistency with which the teams achieved these milestones over 43 years, averaging 21 wins per season,” Shirley says. “Recruiting was certainly a key ingredient, which was made easier with the outstanding reputation of Thomas Jefferson University, both in the classroom and in the professional workplace.”
