Today the University of Cincinnati Women’s Basketball team was celebrating their 50th anniversary as the 2021-22 season makes history for the program. The Bearcats saw a lot of alumni return to Fifth Third Arena in honor of the 50th season, among those were former head coach Laurie Pirtle, who coached at the University of Cincinnati for 21 seasons, as she set the groundwork for this program, where she led the Bearcats to a program record 310 career wins, but also leading the Bearcats to their first NCAA Tournament appearance during the 1988-89 season where she led the Bearcats to a 21-9 record that season. Former Bearcat legend Cheryl Cook was also back on campus for her first time in years. Cook, the only Bearcats Woman Basketball player to have her jersey retired at Cincinnati, is No. 1 all time in points, with 2,367, the only player with more points in the sport, is Bearcat’s legend Oscar Robertson. Cook is also member of the 1995 Hall of Fame class, as well. Both of these individuals left their everlasting impact on this program in many ways.
We got to sit down with Cheryl Cook and Laurie Pirtle ahead of the Bearcats matchup versus ECU this afternoon where they reflected on their careers at the University of Cincinnati and the impact they have had on this program.
Cheryl Cook and Laurie Pirtle reflect on how special today was where they honor the 50th season of Bearcats Women’s basketball.
“To those kids who have put so much time their blood sweat and tears into this program, If they get to stand out here they’re going to be thrilled. To see their smiles on their faces will be an honor today,” said Laurie Pirtle.
Reflecting on her time as head coach of Cincinnati during her 21-year career Pertile had a lot to say when she was asked what being a Bearcat meant to her, as someone who created and paved the way for the Bearcats Women’s Basketball Program.
