Catharine “Cathy” Parson was named Central State University's head women’s basketball coach in November of 2020.
Parson has a vast coaching background prior to her arrival at Central State that includes coaching on nearly all levels of the game. Her collegiate stops include Stratford University (2018-19), Frostburg State University (2013-14), Howard University (2000-08), University of Richmond (1999-00), Providence College (1985-88) and Christopher Newport University (1988-98). In 1998, Parson also served as the interim head coach for the WNBA's Washington Mystics. She has also served as a high school head coach at North Hagerstown during the 2015-16 season.
Parson returns to coaching in 2020after a year’s hiatus from the sidelines. During the last year, Parson began her own skill development and personal training service. She worked with multiple age groups and talent levels ranging from the middle school players to NCAA Div. I talents such as Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year in the University of Kentucky’s Immanuel Quickley, who will be in the NBA draft in November.
In her one season at Stratford, Parson was instrumental in building the upstart program from the ground up, establishing a program model for recruiting, player management, skill development and academic success while competing as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
She spent the 2015-2016 season coaching at North Hagerstown High School in her hometown of Hagerstown, Maryland.
From 2013 to 2014, Parson patrolled the sidelines at Frostburg State, a NCAA Div. III program in Frostburg, Maryland.
Among various coaching accolades, Parson top coaching achievements includes leading Howard to a pair of regular season Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in 2000 and 2001 and one tournament championship (2001). She was named the MEAC Coach of the Year following both regular season titles and led the team to 129 wins in her eight seasons.
Parson served as the associate head coach at Richmond, helping the squad to 12 wins and a berth in the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament in the 1999-00 season.
In 1998, Parson left the college game for an opportunity in the professional ranks as she served as the interim head coach in the WNBA during the Washington Mystics’ inaugural season. While with the team, she scouted and prepared for games, served as the public relations liaison and participated in community outreach programs.
Parson first head coaching job was at NCAA Div. III program Christopher Newport. She guided the Captains to 183 wins during her tenure, was twice named the Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Coach of the Year. During her tenure at CNU, her teams appeared in the NCAA Tournament six times and advanced to final field of 16 teams once.
She first joined the collegiate coaching ranks in 1985 as an assistant coach with Providence College. In three years with the Friars, Parson was part three Big East Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Parson was the first woman to earn an athletic scholarship from West Virginia University. Playing at WVU from 1979 to 1983, Parson set and still holds many of the school records. She finished her career as the WVU women’s all-time career scoring leader with 2,128 points while appearing in a then-school-record 121 games, averaging 17.5 points per outing.
Her career scoring total is even more impressive when considering only Jerry West (2,309) and Rod Hundley (2,180) on the men’s side scored more points in their WVU careers. She also finished her career as the women's all-time leader in career field goals made (898) and attempted (2,061). Of her 121 games played, Parson registered double figures 108 times. At the conclusion of her career, her 17.5 career scoring average ranked third all-time and she owned a school record 46 20-point games.
In 1996, Parson became the first woman to be inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
Parson earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1984, a master's degree in adult education and training from the University of Phoenix in 2010, and is completing a doctorate degree in education from Morgan State University in currently.
