Theresa Shank-Grentz

When Theresa Shank arrived at Immaculata in the fall of 1970, no one could have imagined the improbable ride she and her Mighty Mac teammates would experience over the next four years. Shank, a product of the tough Philadelphia Catholic League, starred at Cardinal O’Hara where she scored more than 1,000 points in her high school career and won three championships. She played the center position, scoring most of her baskets on putbacks, set plays, sheer will, and intimidation. In four years at Immaculata, the three-time First Team All-America lost only two games and led the Mighty Macs to a streak of 35 consecutive wins across two seasons. Along with Marianne Stanley at the point, and Cathy Rush at the helm, Shank put Immaculata basketball on the map. Then, in 1972, Shank capitalized on her double-double scoring and rebounding output to win the program’s first AIAW national championship. The following year, a second title was claimed. The third, Shank’s senior season of 1974, tied a nice bow around an unlikely basketball dynasty. Shank earned National Player of the Year honors for her efforts.