Irvington’s Gina Maher wins her 800th game
Irvington girls basketball coach Gina Maher wins her 800th game during action against Eastchester at Irvington High School Feb. 1, 2024
Gina Maher, Irvington High School’s girls basketball coach for the last 50 seasons, and the state’s all-time winningest high school girls basketball coach, announced her retirement on Sept. 12.
Maher’s credentials of what coaches dream of when they first take the sidelines: 814 wins, 18 Section 1 titles, six state championships, and five federation championships.
“It is with both sadness and deep admiration that the Irvington Department of Athletics acknowledges the retirement of the Emerald of Irvington, Coach Gina Maher, from her role leading our Varsity Girls Basketball program.” Irvington Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education John Buonamano said in a statement posted online. “Beyond the numbers and banners, Gina Maher’s true legacy lies in the countless lives she has touched.”
Moving to Irvington in 1974, Maher’s first season coaching Irvington was the 1975-76 season. In 2024, she became the first girls basketball coach in New York State history to win 800 games. Irvington’s gym was named after Maher in 2007.
Maher state girls basktball titles with Irvington in 1990, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2019.
“We are so sad for this goodbye, but thankful for the memories we have made with her throughout the years,” Irvington’s girls basketball Instagram read on Friday. “She will always have a special place in our hearts because of the impact she has had on all our lives.”
“A tireless advocate for women’s sports and Title IX, Coach Maher has paved the way for generations of female athletes to compete, achieve, and dream bigger than ever before,” Buonamano said. “She has also been a champion for students with disabilities, ensuring that all young people have meaningful opportunities to experience the power of athletics.”
This story may be updated as more information is available.