“We are extremely proud to introduce Patty Coyle as the official head coach of the New York Liberty,” said Blazejowski. “We have great confidence in Patty’s proven ability to lead our team, and believe her passion, commitment and knowledge of the women’s game will help us reach our ultimate goal – the WNBA Championship.”

Following her appointment as Interim Head Coach of the Liberty on July 3, 2004, Coyle helped to transform a struggling team into a cohesive, competitive unit – earning a 13-10 overall record that saw the Liberty back in the playoffs – including a heart-stopping win over the defending WNBA champions Detroit Shock and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Coyle, a native of Philadelphia, PA becomes the third head coach for the New York Liberty organization. Marianne Stanley remains as assistant coach.

Pat Coyle is a coaching veteran of more than two decades. She was a Liberty assistant since 1998 following a six and a half year run as head coach at Loyola College from 1992-1998, where she compiled a record of 100-77. She has also had assistant coaching positions at St. Joseph’s (1989-92), Rutgers University (1988-89) and the University of Miami (1983-85).

“I am extremely proud to be named head coach of the franchise that I have called my home for the past six years – the New York Liberty and I’m grateful to Carol Blazejowski for showing confidence in my abilities,” said Coyle. “I have very high expectations for myself and the Liberty, and am committed to working with Marianne and the team to ensure that our outstanding fans see a competitive team that plays with pride, passion and persistence each and every game. “

As a player, Coyle played four years at Rutgers University, where she remains number three on Rutgers all-time list for games played (129). On the Knights all-time career lists, she ranks in the school’s Top Ten in assists (sixth with 394), free-throw percentage (fifth with .796) and field goal percentages (tenth with .488). Coyle is the 17th leading scorer in Rutgers history, with 1,029 points. As a senior in 1981-82, Coyle earned tournament MVP honors as the Knights won their one-and-only national title, the AIAW National Championship. A 1982 Rutgers graduate, Coyle was inducted into the University’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.