NEW HAVEN, Conn. (February 20, 2025) – Thomas Jefferson University head women’s basketball coach Tom Shirley earned his 900th career victory when the Rams defeated fellow Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference member Caldwell University, 58-33, in a non-league contest on Wednesday evening in Philadelphia. Shirley is just the second NCAA Division II women’s basketball coach to reach 900 wins, joining Barbara Stevens (1,039, 1977-2020).
After spending eight years leading his alma mater, DeSales University, Shirley has spent the last 35 season with the Rams. His Jefferson squads have made 13 NCAA appearances, including reaching the East Region final the last two years. Shirley has won nine conference championships, including five in the CACC, and is a three-time CACC Coach of the Year.
Shirley’s current Ram team is riding a 10-game winning streak. With two regular-season games remaining, Jefferson is 19-6 overall, including 12-2 in league play, and is in second place in the CACC South Division. The Rams are on the list of teams under consideration for an NCAA Division II Tournament berth, the NCAA released earlier on Wednesday.
The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its affiliation with NCAA Division II. Conference institutions compete for championships in 18 sports – eight for men, nine for women, and one co-ed. The CACC contains 12 members in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Membership includes Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.