BIBBS HIRED AS NEW N.C. A&T WOMEN'S HEAD COACH

Bibbs has won the MEAC regular-season and conference titles three times
 

GREENSBORO, N.C., MARCH 30, 2005  – North Carolina A&T State University Chancellor James C. Renick appointed Patricia Cage-Bibbs as the new head women’s basketball coach during a Wednesday morning press briefing at the Bryan Fitness & Wellness Center.

“This is a ‘huge hire’ for N.C. A&T’s intercollegiate activities,” Renick said.  “Patricia Cage-Bibbs is a consummate professional who will have an immediate impact on our women’s basketball program.”  She has a proven track record and years of substantial experience in the MEAC and SWAC.”

Effective immediately, Bibbs will begin her new role in order to take full advantage of recruitment possibilities.

Bibbs was head women’s basketball coach at Hampton University in Hampton, VA, from 1997 to 2004.  She has sent six different teams to the NCAA Tournament and has won nine conference regular-season championships (6 SWAC, 3 MEAC), and three SWAC tournament titles and three MEAC tournament titles.

She was MEAC Coach of the Year in 1998 and MEAC Outstanding Tournament Coach in 2000, 2003 and 2004.  In 2000, she became the first basketball coach at Hampton (men’s or women’s) to take the team to the NCAA Division I Post-Season Tournament.

She moved up the ladder in athletics at her alma mater, Grambling State University in Grambling, LA, from 1983 to 1997.  Bibbs was head women’s softball coach, assistant women’s basketball coach, head women’s basketball coach, and assistant athletic director/senior women’s administrator.  She was the first women's SWAC to go undefeated in the conference in 1997 and was SWAC Coach of the Year seven times.  

She was the first basketball coach at Grambling (men’s or women’s) to take the team to the NCAA Division I Post-Season Tournament. 

Bibbs received a NAFEO Distinguished Alumni Award and Coach of the Year from the Black College Sports Information Directors Association.  She was Louisiana High School Coach of the Year, Louisiana Sportswriters Association Coach of the Year, and All-Lincoln Parish Coach of the Year while working in Louisiana high schools.  

Following a rewarding, 32-year career as a celebrated college and high school coach, Bibbs became a businesswoman in their family-owned car rental company in Ruston, LA.  She and her husband, Ezil, have two daughters, Sabrina and Satin.

Bibbs said she is excited about coaching at N.C. A&T to further fulfill her dream to work on the collegiate level. 

“I’m a builder who loves challenges,” Bibbs explained.  “Many people avoid challenges and run away from them, but this has always been my purpose.  This is what God has given me to do.  This is my forte’ … to walk in new situations and build strong, effective programs.”

 “I was impressed with how Chancellor Renick talked and connected with students all over campus while we walked.  This interaction doesn’t happen everywhere.  This is a special place.” 

The new coach envisions her leadership role will offer young women opportunities to grow athletically and academically.  “I’m here at A&T to build and manage a program for young women to bring results for our team and to develop our players.”