Editor's Note: As a tribute to head coach Brian Giorgis' 21 years at Marist, we will highlight one milestone win of his career each week over a 21-week span. Giorgis' final home game as the Red Foxes' head coach will be Feb. 25, 2023 against Niagara. More information about that game, and the events surrounding it, will be provided in the coming weeks.
POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – On May 15, 2002,
Brian Giorgis was hired as the head coach of the Marist women's basketball team. The hire followed 19 years of excellence as girls' basketball coach at Our Lady of Lourdes High School across town in Poughkeepsie, where he won 451 games.
Giorgis' first win at Marist came in his second try, and it was in his McCann Center debut.
Following a season-opening loss to St. John's two days earlier, the Red Foxes' home opener took place against New Hampshire on Nov. 26, 2002. Marist fell down by 11 in the first half and trailed by six in the second half. The Red Foxes fought back, and Kristin Keller's three-pointer gave Marist the lead for good with 7:10 to play.
The Red Foxes went on to prevail by a score of 59-51. Keller, Maureen Magarity, and Stephanie Del Preore led Marist with 10 points apiece. Keller also had team highs of eight rebounds and three steals.
Three starters in this game are current NCAA head women's basketball coaches – Magarity (Holy Cross), Del Preore (East Stroudsburg), and New Hampshire's Colleen Mullen (UAlbany).
Progress comes quickly as year two of Coach Giorgis' tenure brings a significant milestone.
