Remembering Clare Droesch on Her 5th Anniversary

By Keith “Bugsy” Goldberg

This past weekend, Rockaway observed the first anniversary of Timothy Klein’s tragic passing. Now, on May 11, we will note and remember Clare Droesch on her 5th anniversary. The iconic basketball player and coach was an inspiration to all throughout her five-year battle with breast cancer following a playing career that saw her win 3 NY State championships at Christ the King HS, while garnering 3 NY State Player of the Year awards and All-American honors. Clare went on to lead Boston College to 4 NCAA tournaments and a Big East Championship, with two memorable victories over the UConn Huskies and All-Big East honors.

After her professional career was cut short by a chronic foot injury, Clare transitioned to coaching in college at Vanderbilt and St. John’s before moving into the high school ranks at Scholars’ Academy, St. Edmund Prep, and then back to her alma mater Christ the King. Along the way, Clare was both a mentor and a role model for many local players and one of her enduring legacies is the 3 on 3 by the Sea which she established with Brian Bagley and which will now have its 10th anniversary event on Friday, August 25, at St. Francis de Sales. Aside from a great day of competition, the event supports and funds scholarships at St Francis de Sales Catholic Academy, Christ the King HS, and Boston College. Please mark your calendar and look for upcoming ads with more information and on May 11, take a few moments to remember Clare, the player, the coach, the friend, the person.