WATERLOO, Ont. - The winningest head coach in Golden Hawks women's basketball history has announced his retirement.

Paul Falco, who just completed his 17th year (and 16th season) as Laurier's manager of women's basketball operations and head coach, steps away from the role he has held since 2008.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching this team and have great memories of both the successes and disappointments along the way," said Falco. "We were able to build a strong culture at Laurier, striving to maintain integrity and sportsmanship while playing within the rules both on and off the court. The future for this program is very bright and I am excited to help with the transition to new leadership."

With an overall coaching record of 261-248 (.513) with the Golden Hawks, his tenure matches the longest for both the Golden Hawks' women's and men's basketball programs with that of former men's head coach Peter Campbell at 16 seasons of patrolling the sideline.

Having played five seasons with the Laurentian Voyageurs between 1985 and 1990 under Campbell, he also served as his assistant coach at Laurier from 2001 to 2006 before eventually taking over the reins of the women's program two years later.

He would be named the OUA West Coach of the Year during the 2010/11 season after leading the purple and gold to a conference record of 15-7 (27-13 overall) and finishing a best-ever fifth place at nationals, winning the consolation final.

His team returned to nationals during the 2013/14 campaign after winning an OUA bronze medal while carrying the same record in conference play from four years earlier.

In 2014/15, the team recorded a program-best regular season record of 17-3.

From the start of his tenure until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Golden Hawks qualified for the post season 12 seasons in a row.

"We are deeply grateful for Coach Falco's contributions over nearly two decades leading our women's basketball program," said Laurier's Director of Athletics, Kate McCrae Bristol. "His leadership and dedication to our current student-athletes and alumni have led to lasting and impactful support of Golden Hawks basketball and our academic institution overall. We're forever grateful."

Under his guidance, the women's basketball program has had two OUA West Rookies of the Year, a two-time OUA defensive player of the year, two first-team OUA all-stars, eight second-team OUA all-stars, two third-team all-stars, and one CIS (U SPORTS) All-Canadian.

Eight student-athletes were also named to the OUA All-Rookie Team during that time.

A national search for the program's next head coach will be conducted immediately, aiming to build on the foundation of excellence cultivated by Coach Falco. The Golden Hawks continue to remain a destination for great coaches and staff across the OUA and U SPORTS.