Imagine a coach who’s led WNBA stars and college powerhouses, now standing at the helm of a tiny high school team in New Jersey. Sounds like a plot twist, right? But that’s exactly where Pat Coyle finds herself today. With a résumé that reads like a basketball hall of fame induction, Coyle has traded the bright lights of Madison Square Garden for the humble gyms of Verona High School. And this is the part most people miss: she’s not just coaching—she’s transforming lives, one teenager at a time.
New Jersey’s girls’ basketball scene is no stranger to legendary coaches. Ten have surpassed the 700-win mark, with one even eclipsing 1,000 victories (https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2026/02/jeff-jasper-njs-all-time-girls-basketball-wins-leader-to-retire-after-53-years.html). But Coyle stands out—not just for her experience, but for her willingness to start over. With just over 50 wins at Verona, she’s arguably overqualified, yet she’s fully committed to molding young minds still learning the game.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Why would someone with 11 years in the WNBA and 25 in college coaching step down to high school? Is it a step backward, or a deeper calling? Coyle herself admits she tried to walk away once, resigning from Saint Peter’s University in 2018 to focus on raising her son, Jake. But basketball pulled her back—first to coach middle school boys, where Jake was a player, and then to Verona High School, where she now leads a roster of eager teenagers.
‘I really didn’t want to do it,’ Coyle confessed. ‘But selfishly, I wanted my son and his friends to learn the game the right way.’ Fast forward to today, and her impact is undeniable. Under her leadership, Verona has gone 55-21, with a 17-6 record this winter. Players like senior Taylor McClain and junior Morgan Rossi rave about her coaching style. ‘She’s tough, but that’s what we need,’ McClain said. Rossi added, ‘She’s made me a better player.’
And this is the part most people miss: Coyle doesn’t just teach basketball—she teaches life. Her practices are intense, but her players thrive under her guidance. She runs intricate plays borrowed from her college and WNBA days, proving that even at the high school level, excellence is achievable. ‘It’s cool that we can execute the same plays they did at higher levels,’ Rossi noted.
Coyle’s journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Growing up in Philadelphia with seven siblings, including her twin sister Mary Klinger—a coaching legend in her own right—she was destined for greatness. Together, they won the 1982 AIAW Tournament at Rutgers, with Coyle earning MVP honors. Her coaching career took her from Miami to Rutgers, St. Joseph’s, Loyola, and eventually the WNBA’s New York Liberty. Yet, she never lost her passion for teaching the game.
But here’s the real question: Is Coyle’s move to high school a downgrade, or a testament to her love for the sport? Some might argue it’s a waste of her talent, while others see it as a noble act of giving back. Coyle herself remains humble. ‘I’m just Pat Coyle,’ she said. ‘I don’t know if half of them even know I coached in the league.’
As Verona prepares for the state tournament, one thing is clear: Coyle’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. She’s not just coaching basketball—she’s shaping futures. And that, perhaps, is her greatest victory yet.
What do you think? Is Pat Coyle’s move to high school coaching a step backward, or a brilliant way to give back? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
