DOVER — The Delaware State University athletic community was shocked by the news that former women’s basketball head coach Dave Caputo died suddenly on Sunday.

Caputo, who was in his 40s, lived in Middletown. No cause of death was given in a DSU press release.

“Dave was a passionate and dedicated coach who made great strides with our women’s basketball program during his tenure with the university,” said Delaware State Director of Athletics Alecia Shields-Gadson. “Our hearts and prayers go out to his loved ones and friends, along with his former players and staff members during this very difficult time.”

Caputo and his wife, Denise, had two sons. His oldest son, Dana Raysor, was a member of the Delaware State men’s basketball team from 2015-to-2017.

There was an out-pouring of tributes to Caputo on social media from friends and people who knew him.

In his three seasons at DelState, Caputo led the Hornets to a record of 22-51 overall, 15-27 in the MEAC. The women’s best season came in 2019-2020 when the Hornets finished 8-8 in conference and 12-18 overall.

The 12 wins were the most overall victories for the program since the 2008-2009 season. That season was also highlighted by the Hornets’ first win against the University of Delaware in the 12th meeting between the teams.

He was let go by the school as head coach in April, 2021.

Before coming to DelState, Caputo was an assistant coach at UNCW, Florida Atlantic and  Louisiana Tech. He was also the head coach at Division II Bloomfield in New Jersey.

"David Caputo  is a proven teacher, leader and winner," former DSU Athletic director Dr. Scott Gines said when Caputo was hired in 2018. "He has an infectious spirit and his career displays passion, perseverance and the fruits of making programs bigger, faster, stronger and more competitive at the conference and national levels.

"David is an adaptive and relentless recruiter with a keen ability to build team cohesion and elevate performance in all areas. I strongly believe he will resonate with our current players, campus, alumni and community."