The following message is from the Office of the Provost and Department of Athletics:
Campus Colleagues,
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of longtime women’s basketball and volleyball coach Connie Gallahan, who passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Gallahan was one of the first full-time coaching hires in the Department of Athletics under longtime Director of Athletics Dr. Edward Hegmann, in 1977. She coached both volleyball and basketball for 10 years, compiling 215 victories in ten seasons in volleyball, with two state championships, and two ECAC South titles, before focusing solely on basketball in 1986.
In 24 years as the women’s basketball coach, Gallahan won 306 games, leading the Eagles to three state championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances, in 1994 and 1998.
Moreover, Gallahan was valued as a tremendous colleague and mentor to generations of student-athletes, known for her knowledge, determination, desire to win, and wonderful sense of humor.
Following her coaching career, Gallahan remained with the University for another 15 years, as the assistant dean of advising services at the graduate Stafford Campus, where she positively influenced generations of learners.
A native of Fredericksburg and a graduate of Longwood University, Gallahan played a myriad of sports as an undergraduate. She served for two years as the tennis professional at Fredericksburg Country Club prior to joining the coaching ranks at Mary Washington in 1977. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee.
A viewing will be held at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 2-4 p.m. and a Graveside Service at Oak Hill on Monday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Read more in the online obituary.
