CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - After a long and successful career as head coach for Harvard's women's basketball team, Kathy Delaney-Smith will retire at the conclusion of her 40th season this spring. 
 
Delaney-Smith's retirement comes on the heels of her having earned her 600th career victory during the 2018-19 season, joining a group of just 19 active coaches in Division I with at least 600 wins.  Delaney-Smith goes into her final season having amassed a 617-420 overall record, with a 360-159 record in Ivy League play.  Delaney-Smith's record includes 12 20-win seasons, 11 Ivy titles, a .500 record or better in 31 of the last 32 campaigns and 15 postseason appearances. 
 
Her 617 career wins and 360 Ivy League victories are the most of any head coach, of any sport--men's or women's--in the history of the Ivy League. In 1998, she led Harvard to the first-ever 16 vs. 1-seed upset in the history of the NCAA Tournament. Entering this 2021-22 season, she holds the second-longest coaching tenure among active Division I coaches.
 
"Kathy Delaney-Smith is a true icon for women's basketball in the Ivy League and nationally," said Erin McDermott, The John D. Nichols '53 Family Director of Athletics. "She is a trailblazer who is universally respected, admired, celebrated and beloved. Kathy's impact at Harvard is immeasurable and to say she will leave an indelible mark on the game and on Harvard just doesn't capture her full imprint. It's been a privilege to cross-over with Kathy for my short time at Harvard. She has been a leader among leaders and her presence has been instrumental in maintaining a culture of care and community within the department. Kathy will always be part of the Crimson."

Delaney-Smith has received accolades throughout her coaching career, including awards recognizing her excellent coaching abilities. She has also been recognized for her achievements off the court for empowering women as well as increasing cancer awareness.

"I have spent 40 incredible years doing the job that I love," Kathy Delaney-Smith said. "I have always believed that sports is the greatest classroom for life. It has been my great honor to build the basketball program at Harvard and to mentor, coach, and work alongside such incredible people. I am so very proud of our players and alumnae. Their impact on me has been immeasurable."
 
In 2019, Harvard announced the endowment of Delaney-Smith's position as the Friends of Harvard's Women's Basketball Head Coach.  Upon Delaney-Smith's retirement, the position will be re-named The Kathy Delaney-Smith Head Coach for Harvard Women's Basketball in honor of her unparalleled tenure with the Harvard women's basketball program.
 
A national search for Delaney-Smith's successor will be conducted in the spring.