Photo by: Stephen Parker
Freeman's Hiring Was Historical Moment at Syracuse
2/23/2024 1:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball, General
The first Black head coach in Syracuse Athletics history, Marianna Freeman led the Orange women's basketball program for 10 years. Former Syracuse Athletics Director Jake Crouthamel hired Freeman as the third female coach in women's basketball history at Syracuse in 1993. Freeman led the program from 1993 to 2003. Current Orange head coach Felisha Legette-Jack returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach and worked side-by-side with Freeman for seven years. Today, Syracuse is one of two FBS schools to have a black head coach leading the women's basketball, football and men's basketball programs.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the history, contributions, culture and accomplishments of Black Americans who have enriched communities, organizations and entire industries. We also recognize the sacrifices of those who have committed themselves to social justice and equity. Visit Cuse.com as we highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Syracuse's Black community throughout the month.
Born just outside of Baltimore, Freeman spent her childhood with her grandmother, Marian. She looked up to her grandmother, who was the primary female role model in her life and a strong black woman. Marian's dedication and leadership qualities were contagious. She encouraged Freeman to take positions in her local church and community throughout high school. Marian required a lot of her granddaughter, who in turn approached the game of basketball the same way.
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Freeman played basketball at Cheyne State University under the guidance of legendary head coach C. Vivian Stringer, who she later worked for as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa. Stringer, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, had a special knack for coaching that Freeman admired. Upon graduation from Cheyney, Freeman knew she was wanted to remain involved with the game she loved. While pursuing a master's degree, Freeman stepped into the coaching profession. In 1981 she was hired to lead the Delaware State College women's basketball program, where in three seasons she guided the team to a 76-39-37 record.
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In 1983, Freeman joined Stringer on the bench as an assistant for the University of Iowa in 1983, where she worked for 10 years. The 1992-93 Hawkeyes made it to the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four for the first time in program history. Following this historical run at Iowa, Freeman felt she was ready to spread her wings and move into a head coaching position.
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Freeman guided the Orange to the 1995-96 BIG EAST division co-championship in a season that included a historic win against #2 University of Connecticut, which was one of six wins against Top 25 teams in Freeman's tenure. She mentored four players who went on to play professional basketball, 10 All-BIG EAST selections, one BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year and 15 BIG EAST All-Academic honorees.
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As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the history, contributions, culture and accomplishments of Black Americans who have enriched communities, organizations and entire industries. We also recognize the sacrifices of those who have committed themselves to social justice and equity. Visit Cuse.com as we highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Syracuse's Black community throughout the month.
Born just outside of Baltimore, Freeman spent her childhood with her grandmother, Marian. She looked up to her grandmother, who was the primary female role model in her life and a strong black woman. Marian's dedication and leadership qualities were contagious. She encouraged Freeman to take positions in her local church and community throughout high school. Marian required a lot of her granddaughter, who in turn approached the game of basketball the same way.
Â
Freeman played basketball at Cheyne State University under the guidance of legendary head coach C. Vivian Stringer, who she later worked for as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa. Stringer, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, had a special knack for coaching that Freeman admired. Upon graduation from Cheyney, Freeman knew she was wanted to remain involved with the game she loved. While pursuing a master's degree, Freeman stepped into the coaching profession. In 1981 she was hired to lead the Delaware State College women's basketball program, where in three seasons she guided the team to a 76-39-37 record.
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In 1983, Freeman joined Stringer on the bench as an assistant for the University of Iowa in 1983, where she worked for 10 years. The 1992-93 Hawkeyes made it to the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four for the first time in program history. Following this historical run at Iowa, Freeman felt she was ready to spread her wings and move into a head coaching position.
Â
Freeman guided the Orange to the 1995-96 BIG EAST division co-championship in a season that included a historic win against #2 University of Connecticut, which was one of six wins against Top 25 teams in Freeman's tenure. She mentored four players who went on to play professional basketball, 10 All-BIG EAST selections, one BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year and 15 BIG EAST All-Academic honorees.
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