Plot Summary

In 1971, Cathy Rush, a woman ahead of her time, is about to embark on an adventure for the age. A new era is dawning in the USA and in collegiate athletic, where for the first time a national championship will be crowned in women's basketball. In the lead-up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile, a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College. Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her stay at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals--or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them. From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players for a team. While it appears that the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of spunky assistant coach Sister Sunday and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team--and the school--together. Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between her and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata.—Anonymous