Saint Francis University Athletics

Deb Polca will be enshrined into the Saint Francis University Athletics Hall of Fame in the women’s basketball program’s 40th season. It is perhaps the most fitting year for her induction since she will be remembered as the coach who guided the Red Flash into Division I status, where the program has earned nine automatic bids into the NCAA tournament.

During her tenure at the University, Ms. Polca served as head women’s basketball coach and assistant director of athletics. It was during this time that the foundation was established that would lead to the growth of women’s athletics in stature and success at Saint Francis. In 1991, Ms. Polca was promoted to associate director of athletics, the first women to hold this title at Saint Francis, and head women’s tennis coach. She was largely responsible for Saint Francis’ entry into Division I in 1985, prior to joining Saint Francis. Ms. Polca served as an assistant professor of physical education and head women’s basketball coach at the University of Bridgeport. She also taught physical education and coached at Villa Maria Academy in Erie, Pa. Ms. Polca left Saint Francis in 1995 to become Eastern Illinois Senior Associate Athletics Director. After nine year at Eastern Illinois, Ms. Polca left to become the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator at Old Dominion University where she is still employed on this date. She is a member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Issues Committee, and was a member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee from 1997-2001.