Rutgers women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer takes leave due to COVID-19 concerns

The Rutgers women's basketball team will be without their Hall of Fame coach for the entire 2021-2022 season.

Per Shannon Ryan of The Athletic, C. Vivian Stringer is taking a leave of absence this season due to COVID-19 concerns. Stringer has not coached with the team since April.

"She cares for her 40-year-old daughter who has required special care since contracting spinal meningitis as a toddler," Ryan wrote of the 73-year-old Stringer. "Stringer expressed concerns about a lack of testing this season, a change that’s taken place as universities like Rutgers have required COVID-19 vaccinations."

Top assistant Tim Eatman will continue his role as the Scarlet Knights' acting head coach. The team opens the season against St. Peter's on Tuesday night.

Stringer, who has led Rutgers to a pair of Final Fours, signed a new five-year, $5.5 million contract in April.