Erin Monahan and Her Journey to Reaching 500th Milestone

Erin Monahan, Head Coach women’s basketball team at William Paterson University recently achieved a major milestone in her career by earning her 500^th victory as she led her team to a 67- 42 win against Rutgers-Newark in February 2021, Not only is she the most successful women basketball coach in WPU history, but she is also one of the best in the nation. Until this achievement, she held a record of 498 – 238 in 27 seasons and led the pioneers to 11 NCAA tournament bids and three NJAC Tournament Titles.

Monahan speaking on what this milestone meant to her said “It means I’ve been coaching a very long time (ha); we have been fortunate to bring in some very talented players  who could have played at a different level, but their parents trusted us to help their daughters get their degrees as well as play on talented teams, we have a great alumni group that I keep in touch with and without them, this wouldn't have been possible.”

Monahan who hails from Clifton N.J  and comes from a family very active in sports not only had dreams of becoming a teacher at a young age, but also pursued her dreams and went on to graduate with a physical education/teacher’s degree at William Paterson University while playing softball and basketball during her college days for the school and envisioning herself as a teacher and coach of her high school, Clifton H.S after college but like her mom’s favorite mantra goes, “Everything happens for a reason” indeed with Monahan, a slightly different career from teaching did happen for a reason.

“I honestly have always believed; you don't have to put the most talented team on the floor- they have to believe they can do it. If their work ethic displays their belief- anything is possible!” said Monahan.

According to the WPU sports page, “Before becoming the head coach at her alma mater, Monahan was a second-team all-NJAC performer in 1990. She finished her career with 1,025 points, a total that still ranks 21st all-time. She also was a starting first baseman for the Pioneers’ softball team from 1987-90. Monahan and her husband, Kevin, have three children: Caitlin, who plays on the Pioneers’ softball team, Patrick and Colleen.”