It was the second game of the 2009-10 season for the NYU Violets' women's basketball team. When star player Grace Carmen came out of the game in the second half with an elbow injury, cheering in the stands, dressed in black business attire, was former coach Janice Quinn.
Quinn, who coached the women's basketball team for 21 years, is still one of the Violets' biggest supporters, and has shown up to almost every game this season.
The 46-year-old was forced to retire at the beginning of last season due to arrhythmia-related problems. Now, Quinn is focusing on her new role as senior associate director for athletics at NYU.
Quinn helps with recruiting, fundraising, Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and varsity events. She also meets with donors, parents and alumni and also acts as a liaison to the Wasserman Center for Career Development in helping NYU athletes with resumes and job searches.
Though she no longer coaches, Quinn loves her new life.
"I was looking to find time to commit to other things in others areas," she said. "It really afforded me the opportunity to be more hands-on."
Around the office, she is still the firebolt that she was as a coach.
"Her own motivation, energy, enthusiasm is all still there," Jeffrey Bernstein, NYU's sports information director, said.
Although Quinn misses her relationships with the players, she doesn't miss the stress associated with coaching.
"It is one thing to think that you live and die with what goes out on the court and another to feel solely responsible," Quinn said. "That level of stress is not something I miss."
Since retiring, Quinn has kept a close eye on Stefano Trompeo, her successor.
"I know she wants the best from me," Trompeo said.
And Trompeo has a tough act to follow.
Quinn played varsity basketball at NYU from 1981-1985 and was the first Violet women's basketball player to reach 1,000 points. She was head coach from 1987 to 2008, had a 453-127 record and brought home NYU's first-ever National Championship in 1997.
Last Sunday, the women's team watched the men play a tight game against the University of Rochester and Quinn told the girls they had to remain calm in close games.
"She still loves to share her knowledge," said junior guard Emily Foshag, who played for Quinn in her freshman year.
Despite her health problems, Quinn remains active and said she feels great.
She works out at Coles Sports Center several days a week.
Although Quinn loves her new role, the question remains: Will she ever return to coaching?
"I never say never," Quinn said. "But I don't need to be around it on a daily basis. I don't need to teach kids how to box out."
