Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Coach Charles 'Lefty' Driesell

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the passing of former University of Maryland Basketball Coach Charles 'Lefty' Driesell:

“Today, I join my fellow Terps and countless other basketball fans across the country in mourning the loss of my friend Coach Charles 'Lefty' Driesell. When Coach Driesell arrived in College Park for the 1969–70 season, after having turned small Davidson College into a respected Division I basketball program, his stated goal was to make Maryland 'the UCLA of the East.' Indeed, in short order, he built the University of Maryland into one of the nation’s most elite basketball programs. 

“During his 17 seasons at College Park, he led the Terps to an NIT title, two ACC regular season titles, three appearances in the Sweet 16, and one in the Elite Eight. Crucially, he established a strong foundation for Maryland's future success in basketball that has continued to this day. Coach Driesell ended his legendary career with 786 wins across his 41 seasons. He was also the first coach to win more than 100 games at four NCAA Division I schools. 

“No single stat, however, can capture what Coach Driesell meant to our Maryland community and to the sport broadly. He was not only a coach of great skill but a man of the highest character. We will always remember his tremendous wit, famous court-side temper, and unfailing persistence. His family has our prayers.”