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Penn State’s Rene Portland resigns

She retires with over 600 career victories.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State women’s basketball coach Rene Portland resigned, ending a 27-year tenure that included 606 wins and allegations she discriminated against lesbian players.

Portland resigned Wednesday night, the university said in a statement.

The coach faced a series of discrimination allegations during her tenure. Most recently, Portland and Penn State settled a lawsuit in February by former player Jennifer Harris, who claimed Portland had a “no-lesbian” policy on her team.

Portland built the program into a powerhouse, though it slipped to subpar records in recent seasons.

“This was obviously a difficult decision,” Portland said in Thursday’s statement. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity to coach at Penn State, which has become a special place for me and my family. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the Lady Lion program through the years.”

Portland compiled a 606-236 record at Penn State, and earlier this season became the ninth women’s basketball coach to win 600 games at one school.

I don’t know anything about the controversies swirling around Portland to pass any kind of judgment. As to coaching women’s basketball, few have done better. Good luck in retirement Ms. Portland.

 
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