Rush recently gained a truly deserved measure of hoops immorality on Sept. 5 of this year when she was inducted in to the Naismoth Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., along with Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Adrian Dantley, Dick Vitale and Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson.
"Cathy Rush's induction into the Hall of Fame affirms her legacy on history that we, Immaculata University, have always acknowledged and honored since the early '70s," said Sister Patricia Fadden, IHM, president of Immaculata University. "The recognition of Cathy Rush by the national basketball organization highlights her achievements in the public domain recognizing that she had advanced not only women’s basketball at Immaculata University but women's place in sports in general. Immaculata University is both honored and thankful for the accomplishments made by Cathy and her team over three decades ago."
Rush is also a member for the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. She is one of only six "outsiders" inducted into the prestigious Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame. Having neither played nor coached at a member institution, she was recognized by the Big 5 for her contributions and continuous dedication to women’s basketball.
Rush received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from West Chester University in 1968 and 1972, respectively.
In 1975, she coached the U.S. women's basketball team to the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. Rush is also enshrined in the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame and was honored by both the New Jersey and Philadelphia Sports Writers associations. She also received the Special Achievement Award from the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame.
Rush, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee of Women's Basketball, was once referred to by Newsweek magazine as the "Al Maguire of women's basketball." Given the scope of Rush's accomplishments, some might argue it could have bee the other way around.
A gifted public speaker who offers a variety of topics to encourage and motivate young women and men alike, Rush has served as president of Future Stars Camps, which has been conducting basketball, field hockey, soccer, all sports, and sports and arts camps for girls and boys for almost 40 years.
Her seemingly endless talents also led Rush to the world of sports broadcasting. She has been the color commentator for such major networks as NBC, CBS, and ESPN, as well as PRISM and the Sports Channel.
A recently produced movie entitled "Our Lady of Victory," scheduled for release in 2009, is based upon Rush and her amazing Mighty Macs of the '70s. Rush contributed to the screenplay and served as a consultant on the movie.
A breast cancer survivor, Rush is also a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.
She is the mother of two sons, Ed Rush Jr. and Michael Rush, and also has three grandchildren, Faith Ann, Jack Edward and Thomas.
She resides in Sarasota, Florida.
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