RITA CASTAGNA TO RETIRE AS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

WORCESTER, Ma--- Rita Castagna, Director of Athletics at Assumption College since 1986, will retire effective August 31, 2003. The announcement ends three decades of dedicated service to the College and its athletes.

"Rita's commitment and dedication leaves the Athletics program well positioned to move forward," commented President Tom Plough. "During her tenure, varsity athletic teams have grown and many have gone on to win championships. Her expectations for academic excellence have been a top priority and our athletes' overall academic record is a testimony to Rita's role as both an administrator and educator. At meetings of the NE-10 Conference, which I attended, it was clear that she was well respected throughout the region."
Castagna was hired 30 years ago by then athletics director Andy Laska as head women's basketball coach and later became the first coach of women's volleyball, women's field hockey and women's softball teams. From 1976 through 1979 she coached four sports, all in their formative years.

"It is time now to do other things in my life," said Castagna. "It has been a wonderful experience being associated with so many incredible people over the years. Assumption College gave me an opportunity both professionally and personally to accomplish a great deal, not only for Rita Castagna, but for all female athletes and athletic administrators."
"I will always have a special place in my heart for the people and students of the Assumption community," said Castagna.

A philosophy of maturing, growth and commitment second-to-none led her to an incredible high school record and eight successive basketball state tournament titles. Her career at Marian High in Worcester (now part of St. Peter-Marian High School) is still legendary. She compiled a phenomenal 134-39 record, winning 49 straight basketball games from 1966-74.

In 1973 she assumed the dual role of coaching at both Marian High and Assumption College. Her last softball team in 1983 was 21-5 as a state tournament representative, while her 14-year basketball slate climaxed at 132-157.

She served as Assistant Athletics Director from 1974-86, only to conclude her coaching career when an increased role in regional and national women's athletic politics dictated a lesser coaching role in the early 1980s. 

Complementing her road record of building and nurturing a female program, the College has added varsity football, men's and women's lacrosse, women's soccer, reintroduced track and field and built what is today among the most respected overall Division II programs in the region. The Greyhounds have participated in N.C.A.A. tournaments in cross country, golf, softball, men and women's basketball, baseball and men's tennis, while also playing in post-season tournaments in field hockey, women's lacrosse, and men's and women's soccer during her tenure at the College.

"Our priority has always been the student athlete," said Castagna. "We have tried to play the most competitive schedule, provide the most dedicated coaches, and most importantly, provide any and all the services to ensure that our student athletes earn their degree in four years and leave us having had a positive experience." Over 200 student-athletes earned a 3.0 grade point average in the fall semester.

She was graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1966 and received her Bachelors in Education & Recreation. She earned a Masters in Education from the University of Connecticut in 1992.

She has also served on several national and regional committees, and is presently a member of the prestigious and influential N.C.A.A. National Division II Championships Committee. Locally she has served as the director for the Massachusetts State Girl's High School Basketball Tournament the past 30 years.

A standout athlete at Worcester North High, she earned all-city honors in field hockey and basketball three straight years. She played semiprofessional softball for the Worcester Merchants (1959-61).

She was inducted into the Bridgewater State Hall of Fame in 1989 and was presented the coveted Paul N. Johnson Award for her contributions to Worcester area basketball. She was named the College's Honorary Alumnae in 1991. She earned the honor of N.A.C.D.A. Division II Athletics Director-of-the-Year and N.A.C.W.A.A. Administrator of-the-Year in 1999.

She makes her home in Holden.