Title
Recognizing and honoring the life and accomplishments of Charlene Curtis.
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WHEREAS, Temple University and The City Council of Philadelphia recognize the loss of Charlene Curtis, the first Black women's basketball head coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Temple University, who died Thursday, August 18, 2022 from cancer at the age 67; and
WHEREAS, Charlene Curtis supervised ACC league office for women's basketball officials for 11 years, retiring in 2019 she spent that time as the coordinator of women's basketball officials for the Southern Conference, the Big South and the Colonial Athletic Association; and
WHEREAS, Charlene Curtis coached teams for USA Basketball, most notably the World University Games, the Women's Goodwill Games, and the USA World Championship Games; and
WHEREAS, Before coming to Temple University Charlene Curtis played basketball at Radford University in 1972 and became the school's first 1,000-point scorer, male or female, and a member of its Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Charlene Curtis was a two-time Big South Coach of the Year, leading the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders to four Big South regular season championships, three Tournament championships and an appearance in the 1989 Women's National Invitation Tournament; and
WHEREAS, She was Temple University's 17th head women's basketball coach for five seasons from 1990-95, leading the school to a 10-8 standing in the Atlantic-10 conference, a record during the 1990-91 season; and
WHEREAS, In a statement made by the ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. said, "Charlene was a pioneer in the sport of women's basketball, but more importantly, she was an amazing individual. Her kindness and class resonated throughout her life, and she will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her and her inspiring spirit"; and
WHEREAS, Charlene Curtis will forever be remembered and honored by the City Council of Philadelphia for her contributions to women's baske...
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