Dear Keli

[ScarletteK80]

Everyone write a letter to our new AD, pronto! Limit the profanity.
Dear AD, I am writing this letter regarding the state of Rutger's women's basketball. I know you are aware of what is going on. As of today here is what the BIG looks like.

Women's College Basketball Standings - 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Standings - ESPN

Visit ESPN for the complete 2025-26 NCAAW season Big Ten Conference standings. Includes winning percentage, home and away record, and current streak.

www.espn.com

I have been watching and going to games for over 40 years. I have never seen such a disgrace, EVER. The choice of Coquese was a major error to begin with, but our friend Hobbs chose her.
The rest of this season is lost anyway, but it will give a message loud and clear. The RAC is like a tomb. I feel so sorry for these players, and all the work they put in. I feel even sorrier for what's left of the fan base.
There is absolutely NO reason to keep her the rest of the year. I could go on, and on but I would really like to read what other fans, and families have to say.
Thank you for your time reading this letter.

 

[ScarletteK80]

https://scarletknights.com/staff-directory/keli-zinn/4168

 

[ScarletteK80]

Has this woman ever watched one of these horror shows? Has she ever been to a game? Is she searching for a real coach? SEND THOSE LETTERS PEOPLE.

 

[RUfanDNT_rivals]

Has this woman ever watched one of these horror shows? Has she ever been to a game? Is she searching for a real coach? SEND THOSE LETTERS PEOPLE.

She was there.

 

[ScarletteK80]

Great! The Gov. is really a fan of women's BB.

 

[Anon1754923206]

From 1985 through the mid 2010s I followed what was RUs most consistently successful team…ncaat was a guarantee practically…the Naismith year of sue wicks…the 30 win season the FFs, the National Finalist team…all my admiration for effin stringer gone. This program is not moribund, it is dead..

 

[MADHAT1]

The program is a mess the way Stringer left is only part of the story, not her last couple of years W-L record.
They weren't as good as her heyday, but better them many here claim
The Stringer name kept the program going despite the lack of help the RU Administration gave both basketball programs. But by the time the string was played out CVS's name wasn't the same in building a Top program
and RU WBB was one of the wannabes and not close to being a contender for the throne.
I feel Vivian did outstay her welcome, but RU wouldn't have invested in anyone better,
I'd venture to say the current HC is proof of that.
But no matter who anyone wants to blame, Zinn's job is to fix it.

 

[Rutgers060708]

The program is a mess the way Stringer left is only part of the story, not her last couple of years W-L record.
They weren't as good as her heyday, but better them many here claim
The Stringer name kept the program going despite the lack of help the RU Administration gave both basketball programs. But by the time the string was played out CVS's name wasn't the same in building a Top program
and RU WBB was one of the wannabes and not close to being a contender for the throne.
I feel Vivian did outstay her welcome, but RU wouldn't have invested in anyone better,
I'd venture to say the current HC is proof of that.
But no matter who anyone wants to blame, Zinn's job is to fix it.

Thank you! Maybe Stringer stayed too long. Her love for the game made her hold on too long and placed the previous administration in a bad position and they made a rush decision. Outside of the Tim E. Year her teams were competitive and had a chance to win (19+wins a season). Regardless, the current coach isn’t getting it done. It’s truly a shame because it seems she has a really good staff. Hopefully, Kelli can get a big name and get Rutgers back to the days where a national name.

 

[BigEastPhil]

Go after Thiabault from Fairfield.

Great HC and family has deep roots with Womens BB

And she’s from NJ !

 

[Alec Crouthamel]

Go after Thiabault from Fairfield.

Great HC and family has deep roots with College BB

And she’s from NJ !

I'm sure the administration will try, should they make a change, but it will be very difficult. She's been very picky the last two years; they're in a great situation, and the Fairfield administration gives them a ton of support. She even declined multiple HM interviews (not even just actual jobs) during last year's cycle.

 

[dfr1966]

My first choice is Berube from Princeton.

 

[BigEastPhil]

I'm sure the administration will try, should they make a change, but it will be very difficult. She's been very picky the last two years; they're in a great situation, and the Fairfield administration gives them a ton of support. She even declined multiple HM interviews (not even just actual jobs) during last year's cycle.

Thanks. Very interesting!

 

[djrc89]

Historically it’s our schools best program and it’s not effing close. Kills me that had Vivian stepped down we probably had Staley from temple. Insane where we are now.

 

[MADHAT1]

Historically it’s our schools best program and it’s not effing close. Kills me that had Vivian stepped down we probably had Staley from temple. Insane where we are now.

WTF
When Staley was leaving Temple, most RU WBB fans wouldn't have taken Dawn over her.
Statistics overview

Season	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Postseason
Temple Owls (Atlantic 10 Conference) (2000–2008)​
2000–01	Temple	19–11	11–5	3rd	WNIT First Round
2001–02	Temple	20–11	12–4	T–1st (East)	NCAA First Round
2002–03	Temple	14–15	9–7	2nd (East)
2003–04	Temple	21–10	14–2	1st (East)	NCAA First Round
2004–05	Temple	28–4	16–0	1st (East)	NCAA Second Round
2005–06	Temple	24–8	12–4	3rd	NCAA First Round
2006–07	Temple	25–8	13–1	2nd	NCAA Second Round
2007–08	Temple	21–13	12–2	T–1st	NCAA First Round
Temple:	172–80 (.683)	99–25 (.798)

over CVS

2000–01	Rutgers	23–8	13–3	3rd	NCAA Division I Second Round
2001–02	Rutgers	9–20	5–11	11th
2002–03	Rutgers	21–8	13–3	2nd	NCAA Division I Second Round
2003–04	Rutgers	21–12	10–6	T–6th	NCAA Division I First Round
2004–05	Rutgers	28–7	14–2	1st	NCAA Division I Elite Eight
2005–06	Rutgers	27–5	16–0	1st	NCAA Division I Sweet 16
2006–07	Rutgers	27–9	12–4	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Runner-up
2007–08	Rutgers	27–7	14–2	3rd	NCAA Division I Elite Eight

I can't say if Staley would have chosen Rutgers over South Carolina at the time if Stringer left after having 2 great seasons, but I feel South Carolina might have prevailed if Staley looked at the type of support RU was giving to both their basketball programs.
In hindsight the 2007-08 team ( ranked 7th in the final AP Poll) was the end of Vivian's keeping up with the Joneses , so getting Dawn might have worked out.
I just wonder if Dawn would prove to be just as great with RU as she is at SC with the type of support the RU Administration was giving RUWBB at the time she left Temple.
Whereas South Carolina ( from a google search)
>In 2008, the University of South Carolina women's basketball program, under new coach
Dawn Staley, began seeing major facility upgrades, particularly the transformation of the old Carolina Coliseum into a state-of-the-art practice facility with new courts, weight rooms, and training areas, alongside enhancements to the main Colonial Life Arena. These investments signaled a significant commitment to improving resources for the program, which would later lead to national championships<

 

[MADHAT1]

WTF
When Staley was leaving Temple, most RU WBB fans wouldn't have taken Dawn over her.
Statistics overview

Season	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Postseason
Temple Owls (Atlantic 10 Conference) (2000–2008)​
2000–01	Temple	19–11	11–5	3rd	WNIT First Round
2001–02	Temple	20–11	12–4	T–1st (East)	NCAA First Round
2002–03	Temple	14–15	9–7	2nd (East)
2003–04	Temple	21–10	14–2	1st (East)	NCAA First Round
2004–05	Temple	28–4	16–0	1st (East)	NCAA Second Round
2005–06	Temple	24–8	12–4	3rd	NCAA First Round
2006–07	Temple	25–8	13–1	2nd	NCAA Second Round
2007–08	Temple	21–13	12–2	T–1st	NCAA First Round
Temple:	172–80 (.683)	99–25 (.798)

over CVS

2000–01	Rutgers	23–8	13–3	3rd	NCAA Division I Second Round
2001–02	Rutgers	9–20	5–11	11th
2002–03	Rutgers	21–8	13–3	2nd	NCAA Division I Second Round
2003–04	Rutgers	21–12	10–6	T–6th	NCAA Division I First Round
2004–05	Rutgers	28–7	14–2	1st	NCAA Division I Elite Eight
2005–06	Rutgers	27–5	16–0	1st	NCAA Division I Sweet 16
2006–07	Rutgers	27–9	12–4	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Runner-up
2007–08	Rutgers	27–7	14–2	3rd	NCAA Division I Elite Eight

I can't say if Staley would have chosen Rutgers over South Carolina at the time if Stringer left after having 2 great seasons, but I feel South Carolina might have prevailed if Staley looked at the type of support RU was giving to both their basketball programs.
In hindsight the 2007-08 team ( ranked 7th in the final AP Poll) was the end of Vivian's keeping up with the Joneses , so getting Dawn might have worked out.
I just wonder if Dawn would prove to be just as great with RU as she is at SC with the type of support the RU Administration was giving RUWBB at the time she left Temple.
Whereas South Carolina ( from a google search)
>In 2008, the University of South Carolina women's basketball program, under new coach
Dawn Staley, began seeing major facility upgrades, particularly the transformation of the old Carolina Coliseum into a state-of-the-art practice facility with new courts, weight rooms, and training areas, alongside enhancements to the main Colonial Life Arena. These investments signaled a significant commitment to improving resources for the program, which would later lead to national championships<

Staley

South Carolina Gamecocks (Southeastern Conference) (2008–present)​
2008–09	South Carolina	10–18	2–12	11th
2009–10	South Carolina	14–15	7–9	T–7th
2010–11	South Carolina	18–15	8–8	T–5th	WNIT Second Round
2011–12	South Carolina	25–10	10–6	T–4th	NCAA Sweet Sixteen
2012–13	South Carolina	25–8	11–5	T–4th	NCAA Second Round

 

[Fat Koko]

I'm sure the administration will try, should they make a change, but it will be very difficult. She's been very picky the last two years; they're in a great situation, and the Fairfield administration gives them a ton of support. She even declined multiple HM interviews (not even just actual jobs) during last year's cycle.

Super intel Alec. Maybe the Fairfield coach is happy in the role and aiming for the UConn job when Geno steps back.

Carly must be comfortable at Fairfield if she is turning down interviews.

Ed Cooley's first head coaching gig was at Fairfield and he bounced to Providence where he made 7 NCAAs, including 5 in a row.

 

[djrc89]

WTF
When Staley was leaving Temple, most RU WBB fans wouldn't have taken Dawn over her.
Statistics overview

Season	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Postseason
Temple Owls (Atlantic 10 Conference) (2000–2008)​
2000–01	Temple	19–11	11–5	3rd	WNIT First Round
2001–02	Temple	20–11	12–4	T–1st (East)	NCAA First Round
2002–03	Temple	14–15	9–7	2nd (East)
2003–04	Temple	21–10	14–2	1st (East)	NCAA First Round
2004–05	Temple	28–4	16–0	1st (East)	NCAA Second Round
2005–06	Temple	24–8	12–4	3rd	NCAA First Round
2006–07	Temple	25–8	13–1	2nd	NCAA Second Round
2007–08	Temple	21–13	12–2	T–1st	NCAA First Round
Temple:	172–80 (.683)	99–25 (.798)

over CVS

2000–01	Rutgers	23–8	13–3	3rd	NCAA Division I Second Round
2001–02	Rutgers	9–20	5–11	11th
2002–03	Rutgers	21–8	13–3	2nd	NCAA Division I Second Round
2003–04	Rutgers	21–12	10–6	T–6th	NCAA Division I First Round
2004–05	Rutgers	28–7	14–2	1st	NCAA Division I Elite Eight
2005–06	Rutgers	27–5	16–0	1st	NCAA Division I Sweet 16
2006–07	Rutgers	27–9	12–4	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Runner-up
2007–08	Rutgers	27–7	14–2	3rd	NCAA Division I Elite Eight

I can't say if Staley would have chosen Rutgers over South Carolina at the time if Stringer left after having 2 great seasons, but I feel South Carolina might have prevailed if Staley looked at the type of support RU was giving to both their basketball programs.
In hindsight the 2007-08 team ( ranked 7th in the final AP Poll) was the end of Vivian's keeping up with the Joneses , so getting Dawn might have worked out.
I just wonder if Dawn would prove to be just as great with RU as she is at SC with the type of support the RU Administration was giving RUWBB at the time she left Temple.
Whereas South Carolina ( from a google search)
>In 2008, the University of South Carolina women's basketball program, under new coach
Dawn Staley, began seeing major facility upgrades, particularly the transformation of the old Carolina Coliseum into a state-of-the-art practice facility with new courts, weight rooms, and training areas, alongside enhancements to the main Colonial Life Arena. These investments signaled a significant commitment to improving resources for the program, which would later lead to national championships<

Excellent post. I didn’t realize she was gone that early. Would’ve been hard to play coach in waiting. I just know dawn loves and respects her. Obviously both from Philly too. She was the logical choice to follow 2 hall of fame coaches here

 

[Fishky]

Definitely time to make a change here, never liked this hire to begin with. I wouldn’t even wait for the season to finish.

 

[rucoe89]

Everyone write a letter to our new AD, pronto! Limit the profanity.
Dear AD, I am writing this letter regarding the state of Rutger's women's basketball. I know you are aware of what is going on. As of today here is what the BIG looks like.

Women's College Basketball Standings - 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Standings - ESPN

Visit ESPN for the complete 2025-26 NCAAW season Big Ten Conference standings. Includes winning percentage, home and away record, and current streak.

www.espn.com

I have been watching and going to games for over 40 years. I have never seen such a disgrace, EVER. The choice of Coquese was a major error to begin with, but our friend Hobbs chose her.
The rest of this season is lost anyway, but it will give a message loud and clear. The RAC is like a tomb. I feel so sorry for these players, and all the work they put in. I feel even sorrier for what's left of the fan base.
There is absolutely NO reason to keep her the rest of the year. I could go on, and on but I would really like to read what other fans, and families have to say.
Thank you for your time reading this letter.

I've seen you be a big supporter of the program. For you to write this had to have been tough and is probably indicative of the program having no hope under Washington. She is not head coaching material.