INDIANA, Pa. — Life was about to change for Courtney Rattigan.

She just didn't realize how much.

The Karns City High and Indiana (Pa.) University graduate was planning to return to IUP in the fall to earn another degree.

And she had to say goodbye to the players on the Karns City girls basketball team she helped coach for two seasons.

"I was crying," said Rattigan a 2005 graduate of IUP. "They were really sad when I told them I wasn't coming back."

Rattigan wasn't prepared for the twist that was to come.

IUP women's basketball coach Cindy Martin needed to hire another assistant coach and Rattigan wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.

"It was so crazy," Rattigan said. "I figured I'm going to go for it."

She interviewed for the position ona Friday and was hired six days later — a week before her tuition was due.

Rattigan became the first former IUP women's basketball player to return as a coach.

It was as if fate was steering her to a life in coaching.

"I really think it was," Rattigan said. "It all came about all of a sudden. Another week later, and I would have been locked in."

Before she was hired,Rattigan was at a crossroads — much like her injury-filled basketball career at IUP.

She earned degrees in psychology and criminology, but could do little with them without a master's degree.

Rattigan said she felt like she needed to start over in her mid-20s.

"I was at a point where I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life," Rattigan said.

Now, everything is in sharp focus.

Rattigan joins former rival and Redbank Valley graduate Jen Dunkhe as assistants under Martin on the IUP coaching staff.

Martin said she is glad to have Rattigan on board.

"More than anything, Courtnay was my most qualified candidate," Martin said. "I think, off the court, she will come to IUP and help our ladies with their everyday college life. She played not too long ago and she will really help them with time management issues and just to be there to talk to.

"On the court, being a former post player, we are very fortunate to have her help in the area. She's going to do a great job with them," Martin added.

Rattigan was a force at Karns City, leading the Gremlins to a state title during the 1999-2000 season.

At IUP, injuries to her knees and legs limited her to 94 games, 401 points and 251 rebounds.

After college, Rattigan became heavily involved in coaching.

In addition to coaching at Karns City, she was a volunteer with the Butler County Family YMCA basketball teams and the Lady Lakers AAU under-15 team.She also worked with the Pittsburgh Xplosion AAU under-15 team.

"There's been one constant in my life since my senior year and that has been coaching basketball," Rattigan said. "I've always done it, and I love to do it."

Rattigan is joining a program that has been rejuvenated the past two seasons under Martin.

IUP went 24-9 last year and advanced to the Division II Sweet 16. In Martin's first season in 2005-06, the Red Hawks posted a 19-9 record.

Rattigan will have plenty of talent to work with in the post.

PSAC West Player of the Year Jahzinga Tracey returns, as does several other budding stars in the post.

"I'm really excited to work with Zahzinga Tracey," Rattigan said of the 6-foot-1 junior forward. "She came in my senior year, so I know her and I know what she is all about."

Rattigan hasn't ruled out going back to school at some point. But for now, she's placing all her attention and focus on coaching.

"I realize how lucky I am," Rattigan said. "Most people who get involved in college coaching have to do it as a grad student, doing the grunt work.

"This opens up so many doors for me. I'm so excited to be with such a great program."