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Architect of WVU women’s basketball, Kittie Blakemore has died

Kittie Blakemore was the first head coach of the WVU women's hoop program (Photo courtesy of WVU Athletics)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU Sports Hall of Famer and the founder of the Mountaineer women’s basketball program, Kittie Blakemore has died. The University announced her passing Wednesday afternoon.

Blakemore launched the program in 1973 and spent 19 seasons leading the team. She compiled a career record of 301-214. During her tenure, the Mountaineers won a pair of Atlantic 10 Conference championships (1989 conference tourney & 1992 regular season). WVU secured spots in the NCAA Tournament in both of those seasons.