California State University Northridge Athletics
CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame
Pete Cassidy
- Induction:
- 2004
- Class:
- 1958
Pete Cassidy was inducted into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. Cassidy, who succeeded Jerry Ball in 1971, holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured and winningest CSUN head coach in history. He served as CSUN's head men's basketball coach for 25 years from 1971 to 1996, after working as an assistant coach from 1966 to 1971.
Cassidy, who guided the Matadors through its critical transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I status in 1990, is the program's all-time leader in coaching wins with 335. He guided CSUN to four conference championships and 10 winning seasons, also guiding CSUN in its transition to NCAA Division I status in 1990. The Matadors advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament three times. Cassidy, who coached nine All-Americans, was named 1983 and 1985 NCAA West Coach of the Year and, in addition to CCAA and District-8 Coach of the Year twice.
Under his tutelage, nine players earned All-America honors, while 45 were named all-conference selections, and six earned CCAA Player of the Year accolades. In addition, six of his former players were later inducted into the Matador Hall of Fame.
Before his coaching career took off, Cassidy was an exceptional student-athlete at San Fernando Valley State College. He graduated in 1960 after serving as the team captain and the school's first two basketball and baseball teams from 1958 to 1960. Alongside his coaching duties, he was a dedicated educator who taught physical education classes on campus for decades.
Cassidy, who was named CSUN's Athlete of the Year in 1960, passed away on December 18, 2020, at the age of 86.
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Cassidy, who guided the Matadors through its critical transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I status in 1990, is the program's all-time leader in coaching wins with 335. He guided CSUN to four conference championships and 10 winning seasons, also guiding CSUN in its transition to NCAA Division I status in 1990. The Matadors advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament three times. Cassidy, who coached nine All-Americans, was named 1983 and 1985 NCAA West Coach of the Year and, in addition to CCAA and District-8 Coach of the Year twice.
Under his tutelage, nine players earned All-America honors, while 45 were named all-conference selections, and six earned CCAA Player of the Year accolades. In addition, six of his former players were later inducted into the Matador Hall of Fame.
Before his coaching career took off, Cassidy was an exceptional student-athlete at San Fernando Valley State College. He graduated in 1960 after serving as the team captain and the school's first two basketball and baseball teams from 1958 to 1960. Alongside his coaching duties, he was a dedicated educator who taught physical education classes on campus for decades.
Cassidy, who was named CSUN's Athlete of the Year in 1960, passed away on December 18, 2020, at the age of 86.
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