Legendary HVCC Coach Paul Bishop Passes Away at 88
CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, May 26, 2023
Hudson Valley Community College is saddened by the passing of its legendary women's basketball coach and Title IX champion, Paul Bishop, who passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Coach Bishop, known for wearing his iconic cowboy hat on the sidelines at the McDonough Sports Complex, coached from 1971-1999 and finished his career with more win than any other coach in Hudson Valley history. Coach Bishop posted a 358-197 record at the head coach of the women's basketball program. He guided the basketball program to four Mountain Valley Conference (MVC) titles, three NJCAA Region 3 championships and the 1992-93 NJCAA Women's Basketball National Championship. Bishop also coached the women's volleyball team from 1971 to 1988 and posted a 276-153-4 record, winning four MVC championships and one Region 3 title.
Coach Paul Bishop and his dear friend Phil Brown are considered two of the most important figureheads and pioneers for the development and growth of the HVCC women's sports programs. Beginning in 1971 when Bishop landed a position at HVCC as the assistant intramural director, he began developing "play day tournaments", inviting teams from northern New York to play. The success of these tournaments served as a springboard for what would become successful women's basketball and women's volleyball programs at Hudson Valley. He was a passionate advocate for women's sports, not just at HVCC, but throughout the region, encouraging other institutions to start up women's athletics programs.
Coach Bishop was inducted into the Hudson Valley Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003 as part of the college's 50th anniversary celebration. He was also inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004.
In honor of Coach Bishops historic success at HVCC, the department of athletics awards its annual Paul Bishop Coach of the Year award to the department's best head coach of the academic year.
Relatives and friends may attend calling hours at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. at 276 Pawling Avenue in Troy, NY on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. The Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church at 475 Pawling Avenue in Troy, NY, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Yanas, Pastor.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Paul Franklin Bishop to Joseph's House & Shelter at 74 Ferry Street in Troy, NY.