Q&A: Kathleen Courtney M.D. '97

On January 28, 2023, five Holy Cross women’s basketball alumnae will have their jerseys hung in the rafters of the Hart Center Arena forever, in honor of their significant impact on and off the court as a part of the storied women's basketball program.

Number 33 — Kathleen Courtney M.D. '97 — will be one of those five honored with the retirement of her jersey. Courtney ranks as Holy Cross' all-time leader in blocked shots (309), while standing third in rebounds (1,011), third in field goal percentage (.561) and 10th in points scored (1,539). A three-time All-Patriot League nominee, she was named the conference's Player of the Year in 1997 and Rookie of the Year in 1994. Courtney led the Crusaders to a pair of Patriot League titles (1995, 1996) while recording two of only three triple-doubles in program history. She also earned Academic All-America accolades and was the Patriot League's Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a senior. A member of the Patriot League All-Decade Team for the 1990s and Patriot League 25th Anniversary Team, Courtney recently reflected on her time at Holy Cross.

Q: You became the first player (male or female) to record a triple-double in the Patriot League Tournament (16 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 blocks) with the 11 blocks still standing as a program record to this day. What do you remember about that performance? 

A:  It was my first Patriot League Tournament, and I remember being so nervous. Playing at Navy was definitely my favorite Patriot League gym to play in (other than the Hart Center). I just remember trying to work as hard as my incredible leaders. Laurie Carson was my captain and gave blood and guts every game. Kim Lynch and Lauren George were a phenomenal 1-2 combination. Without them, I never would have gotten a triple double.

Q: You were inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame with your former teammate Lauren Maney George in 2009. What did it mean to you to be enshrined with your teammate — and now, 14 years later, to have your jersey retired with her as well?

A: Lauren Maney was and continues to be a HUGE role model in my life. Throughout all of my time in medical school and training, I don’t think I’ve met anyone with her intensity and work ethic. She hosted me when I did my official visit at Holy Cross. I am so thankful that Coach Gibbons matched me with her. I went on several official visits and never felt the warmth and companionship that Lauren welcomed me with, which has led to a lifelong friendship. If my daughter is lucky enough to play a college sport, I hope she has an incredible mentor like Lauren Maney.  

Q: You were the conference Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year and won back-to-back conference titles. What were some of your fondest memories of playing basketball at Holy Cross? 

A: One of my fondest memories from playing basketball at Holy Cross was our win over Fordham in the 1995 Patriot League Championship. They had beaten us the year before and were our biggest rivals. Coach Greenberg blared the song, “Winning It All” over the loudspeakers when the game ended. I still get chills when I hear that song. 

Q: Did you choose your jersey number? If so, is there any significance to it?

A:  I grew up in New York and went to basketball camp at Fordham over the summers. At one point, one of my coaches nicknamed me “Ewing”. So I chose #33 in high school. Norinne Powers had just graduated with this number and I was hesitant to take it, knowing how good she was. I still remember Coach Greenberg giving me the encouragement to take the number. I was so happy to see one of my very good friends, Anna Kinne, take it after me.

Q: How did Holy Cross prepare you for a career in the medical field, specifically as a pediatrician?

A:  My former boss, Dr. Annino, always told me he hired me because I was the captain of the Holy Cross basketball team. Playing for Holy Cross and Coach Gibbons taught me the value of working as a team and realizing the importance of team above all.  The rigor of Holy Cross academics taught me to juggle school and basketball. This really helped me to deal with stressful and hectic situations and be able to prioritize work in medical school and throughout my training. 

Q: Why do you love Holy Cross?

A: I love Holy Cross because of my coaches and teammates. It’s really quite hard to describe the bond we had and continue to have 25 years later. I’ve said it before. We weren’t the fastest or the strongest, but we were able to succeed because of our dedication to team above all. Life doesn't offer many opportunities like this. This bond on the court led to so many great times off the court- karaoke in hotels after games, sitting at Kimball well after meals were over, and dancing to “Come On Eileen” before every game. I honestly can’t say enough about how much I learned from Coach Gibbons. I continue to use the lessons he taught me every day. I am also so thankful for Coach Greenberg. She gave me the confidence to play hard and fit in with the Holy Cross family. 

Q: What would you say to your younger self?

A: I would tell myself to thank my parents more often. Holy Cross did not offer basketball scholarships in the mid nineties and my parents sacrificed a lot to send me there. They knew Holy Cross was the right fit for me and I am so thankful to them.

Q: Do you have a message to the future generations of Crusaders?

A: Never take this time for granted. Not many people are lucky enough to wear the purple and white. Wear it with pride and class and be thankful for your time on the court.

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