By Rebecca Burton
News Editor
After a two year battle with cancer, former Ryerson basketball coach Sandy Pothier died on Jan. 21, 2012. She was 50.
“She was young and vibrant. I saw many games she coached at Ryerson,” said president Sheldon Levy. “We were all hoping and praying she would get better.”
The mentor and leader coached the women’s basketball team for 18 years before she left in 2009. Pothier ended her career at Ryerson with her best-ever regular season with a record 14 wins and eight loses. In Oct. 2010, Ryerson established the Ryerson Women’s Leadership Scholarship, a $5,000 bursary, in her honour.
Pothier died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the Pothier family home. Pothier will be missed by partner Mary, sister Jennifer and her three brothers, Hector, David and Danny.
A memorial service will be held on Wed. Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. in Niagara Falls. The family will also receive friends at Oakham House on Thurs. Jan. 26 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Read more about Pothier’s time at Ryerson in this week’s issue of the Eyeopener, on stands Wednesday.
File photo
Adam Button
So sad. Sandy was a great coach. She truly loved women’s basketball and built some great teams. Terrible loss.
Greg Toomey
A year an a half after the fact, I’m seeing this for the first time and I’m stunned. I knew her through my work in the department as a student and as a staff member after I graduated.
She was a tough as nails coach, but a great person and very down to earth off the court.
She was a fixture around the facilities, and always ready with a nod or a quick chat.
Stunned and sad.
My condolences to her partner and family.