Syracuse Women's Basketball Coach To Retire

Quentin Hillsman To Step Down After 15 Seasons At Syracuse

Syracuse University Athletics announced today that Quentin Hillsman, Hall of Fame women's basketball coach, will retire following the 2022-23 season. Hillsman led the Orange to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2016 national championship game.

Hillsman's Legacy At Syracuse

In 15 seasons as head coach, Hillsman compiled a 342-179 (.658) record at Syracuse. He led the Orange to four Big East regular season championships and three Big East Tournament titles. He was named Big East Coach of the Year four times.

Hillsman's teams were known for their up-tempo style of play and their ability to score in bunches. They led the NCAA in scoring four times under Hillsman, including in 2013-14 when they averaged 91.7 points per game.

National Success

Hillsman led Syracuse to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first 12 seasons at the helm. The Orange advanced to the Elite Eight four times and the Final Four once under Hillsman.

Syracuse's most successful season under Hillsman came in 2015-16 when the Orange won the ACC regular season and tournament championships. They advanced to the national championship game that season, where they lost to UConn.

Awards And Recognition

Hillsman is a two-time inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. He was inducted as a player in 2004 and as a coach in 2020.

Hillsman was also named the United States Basketball Writers Association National Coach of the Year in 2014. He was the AP Big East Coach of the Year four times.

Retirement Plans

Hillsman said he is retiring to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Tasha, have three children.

"I have been blessed to coach at Syracuse University for the past 15 years," Hillsman said. "I want to thank the University, our fans, and especially our players for making this such a special experience. I am proud of what we have accomplished together."

Syracuse Athletics Director John Wildhack said Hillsman will be remembered as one of the most successful coaches in Syracuse University history.

"Quentin has been a great ambassador for Syracuse University and for women's basketball," Wildhack said. "He has built a championship-caliber program here that will continue to be a force in the ACC and on the national stage."

Hillsman will finish his career at Syracuse with a home game against Pittsburgh on March 4. The Orange will then play in the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, before potentially advancing to the NCAA Tournament.