Southern Illinois University (SIU) named the new Women’s Basketball locker room complex in honor of former coach Cindy Scott. Scott, who has served as Bentley assistant director of athletics for 14 years, was honored at a ribbon cutting on the SIU campus in October.

Scott served as coach of the Southern Illinois University Women’s Basketball team from 1977 to 1998. Her accomplishments during the two decades include an unprecedented 388 wins, three Gateway Conference Championships and four NCAA Tournament berths, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1987. She guided the Salukis to eight 20-win seasons and 15 consecutive winning seasons.

“Those seasons were great in terms of wins and losses, but I think the things that always stick out for me are the young women I was able to coach, to see them grow and mature,” Scott said. “It’s always about the kids, and those are the highlights; the opportunity to coach such terrific young women.”

Charlotte West, former SIU associate athletics director and coach, spoke during the ceremony. “Cindy Scott’s accomplishments speak for themselves. It is really a no-brainer that her name belongs on this locker room.”

Former player Karen Powell added to the accolades. “Her intensity and her passion for the game of basketball, for her players and the people around her, is absolutely amazing … It wasn’t just basketball. Everything that she did, she did with such emotion and such passion that you couldn't help but follow her.”