Portland was one of a few women's basketball coaches to have won 600 or more games at a single school, with a career record of 606–236 at Penn State.

Her notoriety grew when it was revealed that she had for decades discriminated against homosexual players on the Penn State women's basketball team.

Portland had a demonstrated commitment to charitable causes, participating in the first annual "Think Pink" day to raise funds for breast cancer research.

"The statement was made prior to adoption of Penn State's policy on nondiscrimination and harassment in 1991;[12] however, according to the 2009 documentary film Training Rules,[2] no action was taken against Portland's prohibition.

An internal university review found that Portland created a "hostile, intimidating, and offensive environment" based on Harris's perceived sexual orientation.

Portland was fined $10,000, required to attend diversity training sessions, and placed on "zero tolerance" for future violations of the nondiscrimination policy.

Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said that "consequences faced by Rene Portland are insulting and inadequate.

[16] The documentary film Training Rules,[2] co-directed by Dee Mosbacher and Fawn Yacker, explores incident further, featuring interviews with several players about their experience with Portland and the anti-homosexual environment she allegedly perpetuated during her tenure.

However, the US team then went on to win a four-point game against Cuba, and won easily against Russia and Spain to move to the medal rounds.

The lead was down to two points with 30 seconds left in the game, but the US hit free throws to win 78–74, notching the first-ever gold medal for a Junior World Championship team from the US.

The U.S. team won their opening two games easily, including a mismatch against South Africa with a final score of 140–32, but lost against Ukraine, 81–70.