Cunningham reflects on retirement

AWC coaching legend speaks out about stepping down

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - An Arizona Western College coaching legend speaks out about stepping down.

Earlier this week, Patrick Cunningham officially announced his retirement.

This was just days after he led the Lady Matadors to their 2nd appearance in the NJCAA Tournament.

Cunningham is a pioneer of women's basketball with the Lady Matadors, as he was the head coach for all 23 years of the program's existence, building it into a Region 1 power in the A.C.C.A.C.

Cunningham shares what he wants remembered from his outstanding coaching era.

"The fact that we built a program that sets as highly competitive. And that players come here and they don't regret coming here. You know, most players come here and leave with a good feeling. Seeing the players as they develop into young adults and then you know, and then parents and, and I'm seeing players with children that are you know, starting to become, you know, young adults themselves. It's been fun because you've been involved with a lot of folks' lives and you get to see how they kind of progress throughout their lives."

Patrick Cunningham - Retiring AWC Head Women's Basketball Coach

Cunningham finishes his AWC career with 483 wins and 217 losses.

Despite his retirement, he still plans on staying involved with Matadors Athletics on a limited capacity.