Release courtesy of Pratt Athletics

See also:
Pratt tabs BK native, former D-I head coach Cunningham to lead women's hoops
2013-14 Pratt Institute women's basketball schedule

BROOKLYN -- Pratt Institute has announced the addition of women's basketball to its athletics offerings, the department announced Friday morning.

"With the addition of women's basketball, Pratt Athletics confirms its commitment to expanding the Institute's athletics programs," said Dave Adebanjo, director of athletics and recreational facilities. "There has been a lot of basketball-related excitement in Brooklyn as of late and this move is indeed a sign that it's contagious."

Pratt's newest program will be led by a Brooklyn native and seasoned college basketball veteran. With over 12 seasons of Division I experience as a player, assistant and head coach, Christine Cunningham takes over as Cannoneers head coach.

"I am excited about the opportunity to rebuild the women's basketball program at Pratt Institute," Cunningham said. "With its strong academic reputation and location within a historic Brooklyn community, I am eager to lead this team and up-and-coming program and look forward to a bright future for the women's basketball program."

After a hiatus of over a decade, women's basketball returns to Pratt for 2013-14 on a club basis before gaining varsity status and joining the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletics Conference and playing a full schedule in 2014-15.

The Cannoneers will play an 11-game schedule of NCAA Division III and non-Division III opponents this season and will participate in the Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Tournament hosted by local rival Medgar Evers College on November 30 and December 1. Pratt tips off with an exhibition contest in hosting local opponent NYU-Poly and wraps up the 2013-14 campaign against historic rival Cooper Union, also at the Pratt ARC.

For the team's 2013-14 schedule, click here.