Rita Castagna was an influential figure in the NE10 from the early days of the league’s founding – as she served in the roles of Assistant Director of Athletics and head coach for women’s basketball and softball at Assumption from 1974-85. From 1986 to 2003, she was Director of Athletics at Assumption, the first woman to hold that position. She was a member of the NCAA Division II Basketball Committee, the NCAA Selection Study Committee and served as President of the MAIAW – the Massachusetts Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Over her tenure with Assumption, she also served as head coach of field hockey and volleyball. Castagna was the first head coach of field hockey and softball in school history. Outside of the NE10’s founding fathers, Castagna becomes the fifth administrator inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame.