EMMANUEL WOMEN'S HOOPS PROGRAM INDUCTED INTO NE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME

JOHNSTON, R.I. – On Thursday, June 20, the Emmanuel College Women's Basketball program was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2019 induction class. The Saints program earned the honor of "Program of Distinction" in this year's Hall of Fame class.

The 2019 New England Hall of Fame Class included:

• The Emmanuel College Women's Basketball program. This splendid program will be inducted for its long-term success promoting players' achievements on the court and in the classroom under the able direction of Andy Yosinoff.
• The late Haskell Cohen. Born and bred in Massachusetts, Mr. Cohen became the first Publicity Director of the NBA. His countless achievements include founding the NBA All-Star Game in 1951 and awarding the game to the Boston Garden.
• Johnny Britto. This Rhode Islander achieved renown as a Harlem Globetrotter and went on to mentor countless Rhode Island youth.
• The late Fran Driscoll. An outstanding player at Brown University, Mr. Driscoll lost his life during service to his country in the Vietnam conflict. He will be inducted in the Hero category.
• Kristen McDonnell. Brilliant coach at Briantree High School and former outstanding player at Stonehill College.
• The late Father Donald Gonynor. Visionary priest who teamed with Bob Cousy to form the largest summer basketball league in America, the Chi Rho league in Worcester. Such NBA stars as Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, Dolph Schayes, and Sam Jones visited the league to coach and mentor young players.
• Two coaching greats, the late John Killilea and the late Dr. Roy Chipman, both of whom got their starts in Maine.

The Saints join longtime Head Coach Andy Yosinoff in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame following a phenomenal run during the 2018-19 season that saw the squad capture the program's 16^th Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship to return to the NCAA tournament for the 19^th time in program history.  Yosinoff was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2003.

Since becoming a varsity sport in 1977, the Emmanuel Women's Basketball program has compiled 832 victories and a .748 winning percentage all under the leadership of Yosinoff who set the NCAA Division III record for career victories this past season. The Saints have also posted an incredible 271-14 record during regular-season play in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference for a .951 winning percentage in GNAC play.

"We're very proud of the program that Coach Yosinoff has built at Emmanuel and excited for this honor," said Emmanuel College Athletic Director Brendan McWilliams. "For over 40 years he has consistently recruited well rounded student-athletes that contribute to the college's mission while also competing at the highest level on the court."

Also being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame was the Saints' all-time leading scorer Iman [Davis] Barbosa '10. From 2006 through 2010, Barbosa poured in 1,732 points over her Emmanuel career.