Eileen Canty Coleman

Eileen Canty Coleman is a member of the 2002 Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame class. She was inducted based on her accomplishments on the women’s basketball team.

During Coleman’s career, the Wasps compiled a 48-29 record. The team finished second in the state two out of her four seasons, defeating the likes of Roanoke, ETSU, JMU, William and Mary, and Virginia Tech.

Her junior year, Coleman posted an average of 15.3 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game. The following year she served as a captain and continued her dominance on the boards, leading the team in rebounds. Coleman was named to the First-Team All-State twice in both the 1976 and 1977 seasons.

In addition to basketball, Coleman was a part of the women’s volleyball team in 1973 and the softball club from 1973-1977.

After graduating from Emory & Henry, Coleman went on to become head coach at Western Kentucky University for four years. During that time, she recruited Western Kentucky’s first All-American player, Lillie Mason.

Coleman continued her coaching career as the assistant coach at the University of Georgia from 1984-88, during which time Georgia competed in the 1985 NCAA Finals and finished as national runner-up. The following season the team made it to the Elite Eight. Coleman’s accomplishments include coaching five All-Americans and two Olympians, as well as establishing the University of Georgia women’s basketball boosters club.