The Red Flash women’s basketball program retired the jersey numbers of three of its all-time greats on Jan. 24.
Former SFU stars Stacy Alexander (11), Mary Markey (42) and Beth Swink (52) had their jersey numbers retired last weekend prior to SFU’s game against New Haven.
The three join Jess Zinobile as the only women’s players to have their jersey numbers retired. Zinobile’s number 22 was retired in 2019.
“It’s a blessing just to reminisce with these ladies,” said Alexander.
Alexander, Markey and Swink were all members of Red Flash teams that won NEC championships. Saint Francis women’s basketball won nine NEC Tournament titles from 1996 to 2005.
From 1995-2005, the program posted an NEC regular-season winning percentage of 80 percent.
“Our alumni set the standards of competitive excellence, academic discipline and championship habits here at Saint Francis,” said SFU first-year head coach Chynna Bozeman.
“Having their jerseys retired gives our team a living example of what is possible.”
Alexander became the first player in program history to be named NEC Player-of-the-Year, earning the award in her junior season (1994-95). She ranks ninth in scoring at SFU (1,566) and fourth in assists (433 assists). Alexander helped lead the Red Flash to their first three NEC title games in program history and the first NEC Tournament title in 1995-96.
Markey was named NEC Rookie-of-the-Year in 1994-95 and Player-of-the Year in 1996-97. She graduated as the program’s all-time leading scorer (1,704) – that mark now ranks sixth – and she was a member of the first three NEC championship teams in program history.
Swink was a member of four NEC championship teams. She was voted NEC Rookie-of-the-Year in 2001-02, NEC Player-of-the-Year in 2003-04, and was a two-time NEC Tournament MVP (2002-03, 2004-05). Swink ranks fourth at SFU in both scoring (2,127 points) and rebounding (957).
“For our current players, it is a reminder that legacy isn’t accidental. It is built through daily consistency, toughness and an unselfish commitment to the program,” Bozeman said.
