Jodi Gault, '79, inducted into UPJ Hall of Fame

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Jodi Gault, a 1979 physical education Slippery Rock University graduate, honored last week at SRU, will be among six individuals inducted into the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Athletics Hall of Fame during April 17 ceremonies at the Pitt-Johnstown Living/Learning Center.     

Gault was saluted for her SRU playing accomplishments last Saturday during The Rock’s game with Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The Oil City native was inducted into SRU’s Hall of Fame in 1989 when she was cited as a standout on the women’s basketball team. 

            The Tribune-Democrat reported Gault would be recognized for her 25 seasons as head coach of the UPJ women’s basketball team. She led the Lady Cats to 15 NCAA tournaments, five regional championships and one appearance in the NCAA Division II Final Four. 

Her career 540-156 record translated into a .776 winning percentage and 21.6 victories per year. Her teams at the University of Pennsylvania never had a losing season. 

Her win total (sixth) and winning percentage (10th) still rank in the top 10 all-time in Division II.

As a coach, she coached 20 of UPJ’s 23 All-Americas, nine Kodak All-Americas and Mindy Young, the 1992 National Player of the Year. She also helped the program make the transition from Division III to Division II in 1985.

In 1986-87 UPJ advanced to the Division II Final Four, and Gault was named American Women’s Sports Federation Coach of the Year.

Gault was inducted into the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. She played for the Washington Metros and California Dreams in the former Women’s Professional Basketball League prior to joining UPJ’s staff.