By: Aury St. Germain
TAMPA – The Women's Basketball Coaches Association presented Head Coach Agnus Berenato with the Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award at the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four over the weekend.
"I am astounded. I am being honored with a circle of coaching legends and educators that have won this award before me. Many are my friends, mentors and peers; all great educators. I am delighted to receive the 2019 Carol Eckman Award and want to thank my fellow nominees, coaches and the WBCA," said Berenato. "To me, there is no greater accomplishment than to receive this award, as Carol Eckman truly was a coach with character and integrity. I am thankful for my family, assistant coaches, administrators and namely, my past and present student-athletes. I accept this award with humility and will continue to put the future of our student athlete before any win or loss."
The WBCA Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award, first presented in 1985, was named to honor the late Carol Eckman, who is considered the "Mother of the Women's Collegiate Basketball Championship." While coaching at West Chester State, she organized the inaugural women's basketball championship in 1969 at her institution. She continued to garner recognition and support for women's basketball until her death from cancer in 1985.
"I am pleased to present Agnus Berenato with the Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award," said Danielle Donehew, executive director of the WBCA. "Agnus is a powerful teacher who emphasizes the development of the total person -- academic, athletic and philanthropic success. She has built a powerful legacy, strengthening our game with each interaction over her 31 years as head coach. I was blessed to have Agnus as my collegiate coach, mentor and encourager. My family and I are eternally grateful for the impact she has made and continues to make in my life."
Berenato made her mark first at Rider University, where she turned the program around and compiled a 60-55 record in four seasons. In 1988, the New Jersey native took her talents to Atlanta and led Georgia Tech to a 223-209 record in 15 years of competition.
She then spent 10 years at University of Pittsburgh before returning to Atlanta to coach Kennesaw State in 2016. She led Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech to the programs' first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Since I took my first coaching job in 1980, I have known education was my passion and I always wanted to be a coach and educator," said Berenato. "I have a burning desire to lead with spirit and sportsmanship that hopefully allows not only my student athletes, but those I come in contact with to give back, to stand taller, be honest, have courage and never settle."
Berenato belongs to numerous Hall of Fames, including Rider University, Camden County Sports, Mount St. Mary's and the Basketball Club of South Jersey. She was tabbed the Dapper Dan Sportswoman of the Year in both 2005 and 2007.
The third-year KSU coach also claims a pair of honorary doctorate degrees from Mount St. Mary's and Seton Hill University.
Berenato began her battle with cancer in the fall of 2018 and has continued to make her mark as an Owl by remaining close to the program, missing just one game in 2018-19. She led the No. 7 seeded Owls over No. 2 Stetson in the first round of the ASUN Basketball Championship. Kennesaw State was just the second No. 2 seed to garner a win in the tournament.
