42 Years Later
Villanova Woman’s Basketball Coach Harry Perretta talks to player Grace Stant during a game in February of 2019. (Nicholas Schreder/AKSM Photography).
The impact that Perretta has had on young women has made a bigger mark on the Main Line; A legacy that will never be forgotten.
Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports
VILLANOVA, PA - Harry Perretta has manned the sidelines for Villanova Women's basketball for 42 years, an accomplishment that is almost unheard of in sports. He became the head coach of Villanova Women's basketball at the age of 22 in 1978, the youngest coach to head a women's athletics team in Villanova's history.
Over the last four decades, Perretta has coached dozens of players, teaching them how to succeed on the court, but more importantly, off the court. If you talk to any player that he has coached, you will often hear about the teacher that Perretta was, rather than coaching and worrying about wins and losses. The player development part of coaching is something that Perretta is proud of, turning 18 year old girls into strong, independent young women by the time the graduate from the Main Line. 99% of his four year players have earned their degree, a stat that one of the proudest accomplishments to have as a coach.
He currently has 777 wins after the Wildcats defeated the 12th ranked DePaul Demon Deacons last weekend, the last regular season home game Perretta would coach in his tenure at Villanova.
After the last home victory against DePaul, Perretta was honored by the Wildcats and the Nova Nation with a ceremony celebrating his 42-year legacy with the ‘Cats. Many notable Villanovans were in attendance as well. From former players like Adrianna Hahn to Villanova Men’s Basketball Coach Jay Wright and Villanova alum and former basketball photographer Andrew McKeough among others all came together to celebrate Coach Perretta’s 42 years of service to the Villanova Basketball program. Many giving their own testimonials on social media after the ceremony.
His style of play can be at times non-traditional. Similar to Jay Wright's philosophy, he preaches hard work and playing tough defense with an aggressive mindset. On the offensive end, his five and out design of having his players on the perimeter for open jumpers and isolation plays is a different kind of basketball than most coaches and opponents are accustomed to. Yet, it has worked.
In his career he has led the Wildcats to 11 NCAA Tournament Appearances, 10 WNIT appearances, two outright Big East Championships and the 2003 Big East Tournament title, 16 Big 5 Championships, and twenty 20+ win seasons.
With two games left in the regular season and the Big East Tournament around the corner, the 2019-20 Wildcats have a chance to give Perretta one last opportunity to clinch a post-season berth.
While that's all and good, the impact that Perretta has had on young women has made a bigger mark on the Main Line; A legacy that will never be forgotten.
Congratulations to @VUCoachPerretta on a remarkable 42 years @NovaWBB - it has been a great honor learning from Coach Perretta over the years . His passion and loyalty are truly admirable . Always a VU legend . pic.twitter.com/cTc9akVHiQ
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) February 23, 2020