Rita arrived at Bridgewater State from Worcester, MA where she was an all-city athlete in both basketball and field hockey. Despite the absence of intercollegiate athletics for women at BSC her love of athletics continued. From 1966-74, she taught Physical Education and coached basketball, field hockey, softball and volleyball at Marian High School. She coached the girls' basketball team to eight State Catholic Championships and had a career record of 134-39.

From 1974-85, she served as the Assistant Director of Athletics and head coach for women's basketball and softball at Assumption College. From 1986-2003, she was the Director of Athletics at Assumption, the first woman to hold that position.

During her career she was a member of the NCAA Division II Basketball Committee, the NCAA Selection Study Committee and served as President of the MAIAW. Rita has also directed the Massachusetts High School Girls' Basketball State Tournament since its inception in 1973. She resides in her hometown of Worcester, MA.