Longtime York College Coach Announces Retirement; Successor Named

After an illustrious 28-year career, York College of Pennsylvania Head Women’s Basketball Coach Betsy Witman has announced her retirement, effective May 31, 2025. Witman departs as the all-time wins leader in program history, boasting an overall record of 443-283.

In conjunction with Witman’s retirement, Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation Paul Saikia has announced that Spartan assistant coach and former standout player Katie Kilpatrick has been named the next head coach of the York College Women’s Basketball program.

Witman’s tenure at York College has been marked by significant accomplishments, including two Capital Athletic Conference championships in 2011 and 2014 and four NCAA Tournament appearances (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014). Under her leadership, the Spartans advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 twice and achieved a 5-4 all-time record in the NCAA Tournament.

"Betsy’s contribution to York College athletics is immense," said Saikia. "In addition to her 28 years of high-level coaching, she served as both our Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. Most importantly, she did it all with incredible decency and heart—bringing us nearly 450 wins, all earned the right way. It has been an honor to work alongside her and watch her represent York College with such class and dignity."

Reflecting on her career, Witman expressed gratitude for her time at York College.

"I want to thank York College for the tremendous opportunity to serve as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach for the past 28 years," said Witman. "I especially want to thank former Athletic Director Jeff Gamber for hiring me and giving me my dream job, as well as former AD Sean Sullivan and current AD Paul Saikia for their support throughout my career. This was not an easy decision, but I know it is the right time to pass the program on to someone with the energy and passion for the daily demands of this profession. Katie Kilpatrick is that person."

Kilpatrick, a 2019 York College graduate, has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the program, including two years as the lead assistant. A former two-time All-Capital Athletic Conference honoree and one of York’s 1,000-point career scorers, Kilpatrick has been instrumental in recruiting and player development.

"Katie succeeding Coach Witman is as natural a transition as one could imagine," said Saikia. "She is passionate about York College, and her path has clearly led her to this role. She has a strong handle on recruiting and is an intense competitor. The Spartan Women’s Basketball program is in the right hands."

Kilpatrick is eager to lead the program into its next chapter.

"I am deeply humbled and honored to be named the head coach of this exceptional program—one that has profoundly shaped me as a player, a person, and a coach," said Kilpatrick. "York College Women’s Basketball is close to my heart, and I have an unwavering passion for its future. Together, we will work tirelessly to elevate this program while remaining grounded in the core values instilled by those who came before me. I owe a special debt of gratitude to Coach Witman for the countless ways she has helped shape me into the professional I am today. The best is yet to come—Let’s Go York!"

York College and the Spartan community extend their deepest appreciation to Coach Witman for her years of dedication and leadership. The Spartans will kick off the 2025-26 season in early November under Coach Kilpatrick’s direction.

Established in 1787, York College of Pennsylvania is a private, four-year college located in the city of York, a hub of arts and industry between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Housed on 190 picturesque acres, the College is known for its focus on experiential learning and community engagement, serving over 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 70 baccalaureate majors, along with 30+ professional graduate degree and certificate programs. Deeply rooted in the liberal arts and recognized for excellence in its professional business, education, engineering, and nursing programs, York is ranked among the nation’s Best Value Schools by Niche. The College’s robust recreation and athletics program is among the best in the region and is home to 24 NCAA Division lll sports teams and 30+ intramural sports. A Princeton Review Best Northeastern College, York prides itself on its experienced, engaged faculty, its high-impact and student-centric philosophy, and its long-standing commitment to affordability and accessibility.