HARTSVILLE, SC – Katie Pate, Head Coach of the Coker College women’s basketball team for the last four years, has resigned to take the position of Assistant Athletic Director at Belmont Abbey College. 

At Coker, Pate also filled the role of Senior Women’s Administrator and as the leader of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  She also served on the CVAC Executive Committee, the NCAA East Region women’s basketball committee, was the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association CVAC Captain, and the chair of the CVAC women’s basketball coaches.

“I’ve long had an interest in athletics administration and my experience as the SWA at Coker College has helped lay some of that ground work in administration,” said Pate.  “It’s an exciting time at Belmont Abbey College and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Pate led Coker to one of its most successful seasons in 2003-04, when the Cobras finished fourth in the Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference (CVAC) and then advanced to the Tournament Championship game in post season play.  Under Pate’s tutelage, senior Shamae Hemingway earned All-CVAC honors as a junior and senior and broke the College’s Career records for points and rebounds.

“Coach Pate is advancing her career through the field of athletics administration,” Athletics Director Tim Griggs stated.  “We will certainly miss Katie as a women’s basketball coach and as our SWA.  She has been and will continue to be successful at the tasks she is involved in.”

“I will stay a part of the CVAC, however, and I won’t lose ties to Coker,” Pate continued.  “I look forward to the continued success of the Coker athletics department.  I’ve worked with some very fine coaches there who are not only peers but I can also call them great friends.”