FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville State University said Monday that woman’s basketball coach Eva Patterson-Heath will retire.

Patterson-Heath, a Red Springs native, was absent from four games this season, which would have been her seventh as head coach of the Lady Broncos. Before taking over at FSU, Patterson-Heath produced a 503-128 record in 24 years as head girls’ basketball coach at Red Springs High School.

FSU released a statement that includes a quote from Patterson-Heath:

“It is time, I announce my decision to retire from coaching basketball at Fayetteville State University. I want to thank Chancellor James A. Anderson and previous Athletic Director Dr. Edward McLean for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level. I also would like to thank the young women throughout my career who committed themselves to aspire for greatness. I want to wish the university, Mr. Anthony Bennett, Director of FSU Athletics and the women’s basketball program much success going forward.”

She leaves the Lady Broncos with an overall coaching record of 91-76 and winning percentage of .545, putting her second all-time in coaching victories and third in winning percentage. She directed the Lady Broncos to three 20-win records in her previous six seasons and to three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament finals. Fayetteville State won the CIAA tournament title in Patterson-Heath’s first season and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Walter Mebane is named the interim head women’s basketball coach, effective last Friday. Mebane has served as the associate head coach for five seasons.

Patterson-Heath
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