Kate Costanzo is entering her seventh season as head coach of the Allegheny women’s basketball team. A native of Manorville, Pa., Costanzo has led the Gators to a 98-87 record since the 2007-08 campaign, and a pair of appearances in the North Coast Athletic Conference championship game (2009, 2011). A graduate of Penn State-Behrend, Costanzo starred for four years on the hardwood at the guard position, amassing 1,055 career points and helping the Lions earn a pair of trips to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
At Penn State-Behrend, what was your fondest memory as a student-athlete?
Playing in the NCAA tournament with all of my friends.
What has been your best memory while at Allegheny?
Playing for the NCAC championship.
What brought you to Allegheny?
I was hired by the former head coach, Jennifer Reimer, as an assistant. I decided to take that job based on the great vibe that I got on my visit.
Do you have any personal pre-game routines?
I don’t now as a coach, but I did as a player.
Favorite and least favorite bus trip movies?
Favorite – Zoolander. Least favorite – the 40th viewing of Pitch Perfect.
Favorite music artist?
The Beatles and Justin Timberlake
Favorite television show?
Modern Family
Favorite pro sports team?
Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite athlete?
Sue Bird
Favorite Book?
“Tuesdays With Morrie” – Mitch Albom
Dream vacation?
A tropical island with my family
You can invite three guests to dinner – who would they be?
Ellen DeGeneres, Ty Burrell (Phil from Modern Family), and Ben Stiller
Choose one sporting event that you would love to go back in time to witness?
Any game in which Michael Jordan played for the Bulls
Describe Allegheny in three words or less:
Beautiful!
What is the top piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman athlete?
You will get out of the experience what you put into it.
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What is the top piece of advice you’d give to a person interested in pursuing a coaching career?
Be ready and willing to learn from everybody you meet.
