Marsha Reall is an American former head coach of women's college basketball. She resigned after coaching one season at Purdue, to their then best ever record of 18–9.[1] Reall started her coaching career at Saginaw Valley State University in 1979, becoming the first woman coach for their women's basketball program.[2]

Early life

Marsha Reall graduated from Ohio State University. She is from Mount Gilead, Ohio.[3] Reall was an assistant coach for Ohio State University in the 1970s.[4]

Coaching career

Saginaw Valley State University

Reall began her coaching career at Saginaw Valley State University, becoming the first female coach for the women's basketball team. In the 1984–85 season, the Cardinals posted a 32–1 record, a record that still stands today. That team also holds the records for most points (2,753), most field goals made (1,163), and best field goal percentage (.485).[2] Reall's coaching record at SVSU stands at 151–37.[3]

Ball State University

Reall was the head coach for one season at Ball State University. She finished the season with a record of 13–14, at the time her only losing season ever.[2] It was the best record for the team for the past decade.[4] She was on a three-year contract, and the director of women's athletics at Ball State was disappointed to see her go, and hoped their next coach would stay at Ball State even if they are successful there. Purdue did not recruit Reall for long, with their associate athletic director saying "Two weeks ago, I didn't know Marsha Reall existed". She also said, "We don't have multi-year contracts, but I don't think that will be a problem."[5]

Purdue University

Reall coached Purdue University's women's basketball team for one season, reaching a record of 18–9, the best year Purdue had to date.[1] Her resignation came as a surprise. The associate athletic director, who was in charge of women's sports, said "I learned of Marsha's decision yesterday, and it came as a surprise. I know Marsha feels strongly she has to do this. She had a good, successful year, and we hate to see her do this."[3]

Ohio University

She took over the head coaching job in Ohio University in 1990. She coached there for nine seasons, including a Mid-American Conference Championship in 1995, and was voted coach of the year twice. She had the most wins in program history until her total was surpassed by Bob Boldon during the 2019–2020 season. She finished her coaching career with a record of 123–126.[2]

Head coaching record

Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Saginaw Valley State Cardinals (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) (1979–1985)
1979–80 Saginaw Valley State 21–10 4–6
1980–81 Saginaw Valley State 16–14 7–7
1981–82 Saginaw Valley State 27–5 14–2
1982–83 Saginaw Valley State 25–6 13–3
1983–84 Saginaw Valley State 30–1 16–0
1984–85 Saginaw Valley State 32–1 16–0
Saginaw Valley State: 151–37 (.803) 70–18 (.795)
Ball State Cardinals (Mid-American Conference) (1985–1986)
1985–86 Ball State 13–14 9–9
Ball State: 13–14 (.481) 9–9
Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten Conference) (1986–1987)
1986–87 Purdue 18–9 10–8 5th
Purdue: 18–9 (.667) 10–8 (.556)
Ohio Bobcats (Mid-American Conference) (1990–1999)
1990–91 Ohio 10–18 6–10
1991–92 Ohio 11–17 5–11
1992–93 Ohio 13–14 10–8
1993–94 Ohio 17–10 13–5
1994–95 Ohio 23–7 15–3
1995–96 Ohio 16–12 11–17
1996–97 Ohio 12–15 9–9
1997–98 Ohio 17–11 13–5
1998–99 Ohio 4–22 2–14
Ohio: 123–126 (.494) 84–82 (.506)
Total: 305–186 (.621)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

[6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

References

  1. ^ a b "Three-time national champion Doug Padilla sprinted away..." Chicago Tribune. June 7, 1987. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d "Marsha Reall (1980–85)". SVSU Cardinals. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Shocker: Reall quits as coach of Boilers". Journal and Courier. June 6, 1987. p. 15. Retrieved October 18, 2017 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  4. ^ a b Estep, Bill (Winter 1992). "Reall attempts to rebuild program, reflects on game". Ohio University Today. p. 9.
  5. ^ Benson, Randy (July 16, 1986). "BSU Coach Takes Over at Purdue". The Star Press. p. 15. Retrieved October 20, 2017 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  6. ^ "All-time coaching records". SVSU. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  7. ^ "Marsha Reall (1980–85)". SVSU. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  8. ^ "History and records" (PDF). Ohio University. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  9. ^ "2016–17 Media Guide" (PDF). Purdue University. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  10. ^ "All-time coach year by year" (PDF). Ball State University. Retrieved October 26, 2017.

Further reading

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