6/20/2024 – Doctor Richard Seifert talks basketball and Abe Lemons

I grew up listening to Kern Tips broadcast SWC games. He was the lead guy, so he usually did the Texas games. Occasionally, we got the “#2 guy.” It wasn’t the same. I need to send you both a picture of my old pocket-size schedules Humble gas stations gave out. I have all the scores written in. They are a real treasure.

Abe Lemmons was truly hilarious. One year, he came to speak at our Exes group along with Tom Penders, who was the current coach. Penders mentioned that when he got hired, he wanted the fans to still “like” the recently fired old coach. Then Abe chimed in and said, “When I get hired, I want the fans to hate the old coach.”

He shared a funny story about Arkansas, describing how he and Eddie nearly came to blows during one game. Abe said, “I like the Arkansas fans; I still get letters from them, and most of them are written in Crayola.” During his talk, he also addressed some issues Texas had with players getting “in trouble,” which made some fans critical of him. Abe asked, “How many of you have teenagers? Do you know where they are 24 hours a day?”

I’ve been involved with Tulsa University sports for several years and have gotten to know Todd Graham, Gus Malzahn, Chad Morris, and others. The new coach, Kevin Wilson—who was previously the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, head coach at Indiana, and offensive coordinator at Ohio State—is coming to go fishing at my place tomorrow. He’s very “old school” but has been really nice to me.

Unfortunately, smaller schools like TU are at a disadvantage today due to NIL deals and the transfer portal. For instance, the top scorer in basketball transferred to Memphis, and several football players have gone into the portal for better financial opportunities. This situation benefits Texas but is detrimental to mid- to lower-level programs. I’m not sure what the ultimate outcome will be, but if we can land an Adoni Mitchell every year, that will be good for us!

You probably don’t follow TU, but basketball was very successful 20 years ago. There were several Sweet 16s and one Elite 8 (the team got robbed at Irwin, and the refs gave the game to North Carolina). Just developing “2*” guys, those days are over.

Thanks again for the memories. I’ll text you a picture of that old pocket schedule.    Richard

2/22/2021

Deann Allen

I attended the University of Texas from the Fall of 1966 until December 1970, although I stayed in Austin until May 1972 to support my husband while he completed graduate school. Before college, I played half-court basketball for two years at a Class B high school (too small for six-man football) before transferring to a Class AA high school, which did not offer girls’ basketball, as most larger high schools did not prior to Title IX.

I lived in Littlefield Dorm for my first three years, where I met many girls from small towns. I served as the intramural manager during my sophomore year. Littlefield Dorm boasted great intramural teams thanks to those small-town girls. While there were university-wide women’s basketball and softball teams, they were not funded by UT. As a student balancing a scholarship and part-time jobs, I could not afford the time or money to participate in those programs.

In 1972, I became a CPA and began my career in Houston with international accounting firms. I also recruited at UT for the companies I worked for. Over the years, I have witnessed how involvement in sports, particularly team sports, has significantly improved the capabilities and prospects of young women in their lives and professional careers, regardless of whether they choose to pursue professional athletics.

I would venture to say that not every academic program at UT is financially sustainable, just as not every men’s sport is.

06/29/2021

Hello Billy,

Great stories with John Carsey and John Danks. However, the team picture recently included with Dank’s story wasn’t of the SWC & NIT Championship team. You might post this one.

It’s the official team picture of the 1977 – 78 Longhorns that shared the SWC title with Arkansas and won the NIT Championship. I was told after our NIT title game that we had set the record for winning by the largest point margin throughout the tournament.

1974 season under Coach Leon Black

From Former UT basketball player David Fisher:

Billy, thanks for the update on Coach. It’s much appreciated. Here’s a story you might enjoy.

During the 1974-75 season, the Aggies were coming to Austin for a Saturday afternoon game. Typically, a couple of days before an SWC team visited Austin, the Daily Texan would publish an article about one of their players or coaches. So, on the Thursday before the Aggie game, the Daily Texan ran an article about Coach Shelby Metcalf, highlighting his recent achievement of earning a Ph.D.

After reading the article, I realized some of his research related to a topic I was covering in my business communication class. On Friday afternoon, after we finished practice, the Aggies arrived for their workout. As we left to go to the locker room, I approached Coach Metcalf to congratulate him on his Ph.D.

He looked a bit surprised until I mentioned the Daily Texan article. He smiled and thanked me. I then asked him about his research, explaining it could be useful for one of my classes. He smiled again and, with his Southern drawl, replied, “I’m a little busy right now, but call my secretary Monday morning, and we’ll see what we can do.”

So, I called his secretary Monday morning. She was very kind and informed me that they had already sent some information to me. I was a bit taken aback but thanked her for their generosity. Later that week, during practice on Thursday, Coach Black walked in and approached me with a package addressed to me from the Texas A&M Athletic Department. He handed it to me with a puzzled expression on his face. I opened it and began explaining its contents to Coach. It turned out that Coach Metcalf had sent me a copy of his thesis! I couldn’t believe it. Coach Black looked at me, shook his head, and walked away—he often did that.

Anyway, I ended up with a B in the class and was thrilled. After school, I moved back to Houston. A couple of years later, while attending a Rockets game, I encountered Coach Metcalf at the concession stand. I approached him, reminded him I got a B, and he instantly turned to a friend and said, “I gave this T-sip my thesis, and all he could do was get a B on his report.” We all shared a good laugh, and I ran into Coach a few more times before he passed away, always sharing a laugh about that moment.

Billy, I still chuckle about that to this day. Most people don’t realize it, but, with a few exceptions, fan bases often harbor more animosity towards each other than the players and coaches do. Take care, stay safe, and keep up the great work!

Chris Barbee 2/22/2021

I covered the women’s basketball team for The Daily Texan during the 73-74 school year (Coach Page was Rodney Page). The girls had to fight with intramural teams for practice time at Gregory Gym. They pooled their money for gasoline to fuel team members’ cars. Where possible, they spent the night at team members’ homes, and they borrowed their uniforms from the volleyball team. I loved and respected those young ladies and Coach Page.

Below is the oral history podcast featuring Jody Conradt, the former Head coach of the Longhorn women’s basketball team. The Texas Legacy Sports Network (TLSN) aims to document the history of Horn sports through the “Eyes Of Texas” as told by those who have built the Longhorn brand.

Coach Conradt’s influence extended far beyond basketball. She was a guiding force for the athletes she coached, helping them navigate towards their true North. Her goal was not only to teach her athletes basketball skills but also to impart lifelong skills that would lead to success, such as discipline and goal-setting.

Conradt’s impact on her athletes’ lives is a testament to her exceptional coaching abilities both on and off the court. Her unique and effective coaching approach has earned her a place among the greatest coaches of all time. She taught her athletes that their life journey should be treated as a sporting event that requires a team mentality, a strong work ethic, and self-reliance as the ultimate goal.

Head Coach Conradt’s Longhorn basketball journey is documented in three TLSN formats – oral history, photos, and a short synopsis of each season. Her story includes bitter defeats and exhilarating victories.

The link to Coach Conradt’s oral history podcast is below.

Jody Conradt – Iconic UT Women’s Basketball Coach – Texas Legacy Support Network

Coach Conradt

When Coach Conradt was asked why small-town coaches matter, she responded, “Because, more than anything a young person can do, sport teaches life skills. It teaches you how to win and how to lose, how to interact with teammates, and how to carry yourself with class – win or lose. It teaches you the value of commitment, the importance of intensity, and the value of seeing things all the way through.”

When Coach Conradt was asked about the significant change she has witnessed during her coaching career in Texas, she said, “Things that have changed, counting around the room, there are 11 media representatives here. If I could think back to when I first came here, if there were this many people in the stands, it meant someone’s family was in town.”

Conradt says, “They built Erwin Center “21 years ago, and obviously, it never occurred to anyone that the women would need a separate locker room. So, every room in this place had urinals.

“Now we have one of our own. Before one of our games, Coach Royal was kind enough to speak to my team. Before he left, someone asked what the biggest difference was between our locker room and all the others he knew from all his years of coaching.” Coach Royal said, “Offhand, I can’t remember anyone ironing anything before a game in one of our locker rooms.”

TLSN is a non-profit organization that provides temporary financial assistance to qualified former Longhorns who have fallen through society’s safety net. Its six board members work voluntarily to fulfill TLSN’s mission.

To support the organization’s cause, please consider donating $20 or more to the link https://www.texaslsn.org/send-donation-to.

Head Coach Conradt’s Longhorn basketball journey is documented in three TLSN formats – oral history, photos, and a short synopsis of each season. Her story includes bitter defeats and exhilarating victories.

Sherryl Hauglum, a TLSN Board Member and one of Jody Conradt’s basketball leaders in the early 1980s, has special memories of playing for Coach.

Sherryl says:

“I had the privilege of playing basketball under the legendary Coach Conradt. Those days at The Erwin Center were filled with countless memories of camaraderie and spirited competition. The rhythmic squeak of sneakers on the polished gym floor became the soundtrack to our afternoons. Coach Conradt was the ultimate role model, and she set high expectations for us.”

However, Coach Conradt “also led by example through her daily actions and commitment to winning. The victories were great, but I remember the shared laughter during practices, study halls, and trips most fondly. Those were my formative years, defined by the love of the game and the mentorship of a coaching legend. “

When Coach Conradt was asked why small-town coaches matter, she responded, “Because, more than anything a young person can do, sport teaches life skills. It teaches you how to win and how to lose, how to interact with teammates, and how to carry yourself with class – win or lose. It teaches you the value of commitment, the importance of intensity, and the value of seeing things through.”

When Coach Conradt was asked about the major change she has witnessed during her coaching career in Texas, she said, “Things that have changed, counting around the room, there are 11 media representatives here. If I think back to when I first came here, if there were this many people in the stands, it meant someone’s family was in town.”

Before Title IX, women’s sports, including AIAW and NCAA women’s sports at Texas, were building a strong foundation at the intramural and intermural levels. I hope that, with Time, This Site Can Add Historical Insight and tell the Full, Compelling Story of the Longhorn basketball tradition.

For information on Longhorn Women’s basketball before 1973, Please click on  https://texaslsn.org/history-of-womens-sport-1896-1930/

and/or link  https://texaslsn.org/anna-hiss-1921-1957-womens-sports-history/

Texas Women’s Basketball

Much of the research for the history of Longhorn women’s basketball was captured by Miriam Richards in 2012 as part of her Capstone project. The link to her site is in the credit section of the TLSN  website.

Full varsity intercollegiate competition in women’s basketball began in 1974 with Head Coach Rodney Page. As of 2015, The Longhorns rank fifth in total victories and seventh in all-time win percentage among all NCAA Division I women’s college basketball programs, with an all-time win-loss record 1012–372 (.731). The Longhorns have won 22 total conference championships and 28 total appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including 1 National Championship, 3 trips to the Final Four, and 9 trips to the Elite 8.

As of March 28, 2016, Texas ranks 14th all-time in NCAA Tournament victories.

Coach Jody Conradt – 1976-2007

When asked why small town coaches matter, she responded, “Because, more than anything, a young person can do, sport teaches life skills. It teaches you how to win and how to lose, how to interact with teammates, and how to carry yourself with class – win or lose. It teaches you the value of commitment, the importance of intensity, and the value of seeing things all the way through.”

When Coach Conradt is asked the major change she has witnessed during her coaching career in Texas, she says, “things that have changed, counting around the room, there are 11 media representatives here. If I could think back to when I first came here, if there were this many people in the stands, it meant someone’s family was in town.”

• 783-245 won-loss record

• 5- Elite 8 appearances

• 3- Sweet 16 appearances

• 1- National Championship

• 2- Final 4 appearances

• Ranked #1 in polls for 4 years

• Appeared in NCAA tournament 21 of 25 years (NCAA tournament did not begin until the 1982-1983 season

• Ranked in the top 10 for 11 out of 12 years from 1979-1990

• 1998- enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

• First college women’s basketball coach to reach 700 career victories

• National Coach of the Year 1980, 1984, 1986, 1997, 2003, 2004

• Total career record 900-309 for a .744 w/l record

• http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/jody-conradt

1976-1977  36-10 record – made the AIAW Region 4 tournament

Jody Conradt is hired at the “exorbitant” salary of $19,000

Much of the research on the history of Longhorn women’s basketball was captured by Miriam Richards in 2012 as part of her Capstone project and Tessa Nichols’s thesis in 2007.

In their 11th intercollegiate season, the Longhorns season opener against Temple Junior College was the first event held in the newly constructed Special Events Center (now the Frank Erwin Center). The Longhorns defeated Temple, 67-64. Temple guard Evwella Munn, who later transferred to UT, scored the building’s very first basket. After the game, senior Retha Swindell said, “We were talking before the game about how we wanted to be the first team to score there. We didn’t want Temple to score first. So what happens? They go out and score first.”

Top Song 1977: Staying Alive

Cathy Burns, as of 2002, had the most FGs made, with 361.

The first year of women’s basketball was to stay alive. To save money on the First out State game, the team stayed with Lopiano’s parents in Connecticut.

Texas makes the top 20

1976 was the Women’s basketball program’s first game  in the “Drum.”

Ranked #12 in the AIAW. South Zone champions. Linda Waggoner leads the way when the team lost two starters to injuries.

1977-1978  29-10 RECORD COACH Conradt- ranked #15 in the polls

National championship teams require good recruiting, a competent coaching staff, players with faith in the system, trust and respect from teammates, talent, team chemistry, a strong work ethic, and a little luck. With a little luck this team could have been a National Champion.

Coach Conradt recruits players with speed to play a pressing, fast-break offense. Linda Waggoner and Jackie Swaim lead the team to success. Tennessee humiliates the Horns 84-66  and settles for second place in the TAIWA  tournament.   Texas lost to Louisiana Tech at the AIAW playoff tournament. Linda Waggoner is chosen as one of the top 20 basketball athletes in the nation.

Rheta Swindell

Retha Swindell, a 6-2 post, was the first black woman to play any sport at Texas and one of the first two All-Americans. She was recruited by Rodney Page, who was the first black coach at Texas. Rodney Page is a contributor to the site and tells her story in an article written in February 2019.

She’s one of only five players to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. As of 2018, her school records of 1,759 career rebounds and an average of 11.6 rebounds per game still stand. She ranks 8th in all-time scoring. Coach Conradt says it was unusual in the 70s to have a tall and mobile woman like Rheta.

1978- 1979-  37-4 record,   Coach Conradt #4 ranking nationally

The Horns had a great year, but it was obvious that they were still not ready for big-league basketball when they lost to Old Dominion 75-45. Texas did not win the state championship or a regional championship, even though they had one of the best basketball records.

The Texas Women’s Athletic Department continues to wean itself from dependence on the Men’s program.

There are 3 televised games

Swaim is lost for the season due to injury.

Texas has a 31- game win streak.

Old Dominion embarrasses Texas (75-45). Texas still has a long way to go to be part of elite College basketball.

Conradt is the AIAW Coach of the Year.

1979- 1980- 33-4 record, Coach Conradt  ranked 7th in the Nation

The team wins the State title but lost the AIAW regionals to SFA again. Horns receive an at large bid to the AIAW Nationals but lose to Illinois State.

Swaim had a school record of 40 points against N.E. Louisiana.

According to the book THE HISTORY OF TEXAS BASKETBALL by Richard Pennington, Coach Conradt and AD Donna Lopiano support the AIAW over the NCAA’s bid for control of Women’s college sports.

Swaim recovered from her knee injury and receives hardship status.

First-year for the SWC tournament

Since the inception of the AIAW, the Longhorns had been dominated in the state tournament by Stephen F. Austin and Wayland Baptist. This year that changes. The whole Tower is burnt orange for the first time in Texas Women’s basketball history.

Illinois State eliminates Texas in tournament play.

1980-1981 28-8  record Coach Conradt ranked #16

From 1977 to 1981, the Longhorns never make it past regionals in the AIAW tournament, but in the final year of the AIAW Texas makes it to the finals.

1981-1982 35-4   under AIAW rules team was runner-up for the AIAW championship

Carrying a 32-game win streak Texas loses to Rutgers in the championship game.

This is the Last year for the AIAW. Paul Schnitt of the Austin American Statesman stated that the AIAW members included “the giant burnt orange steer against a bunch of foundering midgets.”

Horns compete in the AIAW post-season tournament, but during the season, they also played teams from the NCAA.

National championship teams require good recruiting, a competent coaching staff, players with faith in the system, trust and respect from teammates, talent, team chemistry, a strong work ethic, and a little luck. With a little luck this team could have been a National Champion.

1982- 1983 30- 3 record  A great team with bad luck- 5 knee injuries- Ruins a  National championship run to the elite 8

In 1982 the team was rebuilding. Cheryl Hartman missed the season with an injury. Freshmen Shell Bollin and Annette Smith compete to replace Cheryl Hartman. Conradt says the starters may not be the best athletes, but they will be the best team player.

This team played Cuba and the People’s Republic of China.

By January 1983, Conradt says this was her deepest and most talented team. It was the first time Conradt’s team made the top 10.

The Longhorns were 0-5 against Stephen F. Austin, but in 1983, Texas finally broke this streak to win 95-88.

Annette Smith is the SWC Conference Player of the Year. Texas makes the NCAA tournament, but Louisiana Tech ends the Longhorns’ 25-game winning streak.

National championship teams require good recruiting, a competent coaching staff, players with faith in the system, trust and respect from teammates, talent, team chemistry, a strong work ethic, and a little luck. With a little luck, this team could have been a National Champion.  

Five Longhorns were lost because of knee injuries. The 5’11” Annette Smith needed five hours of reconstructive surgery, five months on crutches, and 15 months of rehabilitation.

Annette Smith, UT’s All-Time Leading Scorer with a career FT attempts of 676.

National championship teams require good recruiting, a competent coaching staff, players with faith in the system, trust and respect from teammates, talent, team chemistry, a strong work ethic, and a little luck. With a little luck, this team could have been a National Champion.  

Ranked number one in the polls, but they were eliminated in tournament play.

1983-1984 32-3 made the elite 8

1983 was the first year Texas women’s basketball was in the SWC; the Longhorns won the league’s regular-season championship. In 2025, they won the SEC championship in their first year.

1984- 1985 28-3 record- Sweet 16

ranked number one in the polls but eliminated by Western Kentucky in NCAA tournament play. 

Fran played for coach Jody Conradt from 1982-86. During her years as a Longhorn, she was named Southwest Conference Player of the Year in 1984-85 and was the national championship team’s team MVP.

After college, Harris played professional basketball in the WNBA and for an Italian and Swiss team.

After basketball, she spent time with Procter & Gamble, a broadcaster with ESPN, a host on HGTV Home Rules and Good Morning America, and an adjunct professor at UT.

In 2007, Harris was inducted into the UT Athletics Women’s Hall of Honor.

In 2014, Fran Harris returned to her roots and joined the Longhorn Women’s basketball administration.

Texas lost 92-90 in the Mideast Regional championship game to Western Kentucky. “I’m not over it yet; I’ll never get over it,” says Texas coach Jody Conradt. Jody’s record over three years is 90-9 with no national championship.

For the first time, Coach Conradt concedes that the lack of challenges from SWC teams in conference play makes it difficult for them to be at the top of their game during NCAA tournament play.

The Conradt basketball dynasty is featured in Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and The New York Times. NBC, ESPN, and CNN also did specials on the Horns.

1985-1986 –  34-0  Completed the first perfect season in women’s college basketball in the NCAA era

Miriam Richards captured much of the research for the history of Longhorn women’s basketball in 2012 as part of her Capstone project.

Annette Smith’s injury status is the X factor that will transform Texas into a national champion contender if healed or an also-ran if not.

Clarissa Davis scores 24 points to help the Longhorns win their first and only basketball championship 97- 81. Fran Harris is known as Auto, for Automatic, for her great jump shot. Fran is the team’s high scorer with 15 points per game.

Miriam Richards says:

“After No. 1 rankings and high expectations in their previous two seasons, the Longhorns finally capitalized against USC in the 1986 National Championship Game, making history in the process as the first team to go undefeated at 34-0.”

Georgia Coach Andy Landers on the 1986 Longhorns: “You could take their first five, mix them up with five high school players, take their second five, mix them up with five high school players, and you’d still have four teams probably good enough to be in the Top 10.”

Jody Conradt about the game:

“The first thought was perfection. Immediately after the USC game, it just hit me that we had accomplished something no other team had. There will be a champion crowned every year, but the undefeated championships will form an elite group.”

UT Women’s Basketball made their first televised appearance on ESPN against Old Dominion, the defending national champions. Following their victory over Old Dominion, it became readily apparent just how talented the 1986 squad was. After the game, Old Dominion Coach Marianne Stanley said, “I think Texas is a team of destiny; they want it and don’t want anybody to come in here and take it away from them.”

There were 17,338 empty seats in 23,000-seat Rupp Arena for the women’s championship game.

Average attendance sets a record of 5,289 per game.

Texas is 98-0 in conference play since 1978.

For the 3rd time, Conradt is National Coach of the Year.

Kamie Ethridge is the “quarterback” of the finest team in Lady Longhorn basketball history. She was one of six who had knee surgery. Records cannot be broken, only duplicated when the record is perfect. During the championship game against USC, the bench outscored the starting 5 58-39.

1986- 1987- 31-2 record made the final 4

With A Little Luck, this Team Could Have Been A National Champion. The team makes the final 4 but loses to Louisiana Tech at Reunion Arena 79-75.

1987-1988 32-3 record Elite 8

Texas played 13 of the top 40 teams this year. During non-conference play, the Horns averaged 8,000 fans, and the road battle with Tennessee was attended by 24,563. Texas lost to Louisiana Tech in NCAA tournament play for the second time in a row.

The Longhorns continue to use a patented Lady Longhorn fast break to win games, and Beverly Williams and Yolanda Wimbish are back to engineer the break. If they can’t run, then Davis will take the shots.

Texas women’s basketball played a tough schedule this year, including 13 teams from the previous year’s NCAA tournament plus the Russian national team.

Number 1 again

With a little luck, this team could have been a national champion.

Texas beats #1 Tennessee in record form. The game was promoted with a ticket giveaway.

Conradt says, “The time of women’s basketball has arrived, and I honestly mean it when I say the biggest pressure in this game is that I have to put on a good show. We don’t have to play flawlessly, but play with intensity and be credible.”

Texas season again ends with a loss to Louisiana Tech

1988 27-5 record  Coach Conradt- Elite 8-

The Horns extended their winning streak in the SWC to 96 games.

Edna Campbell and Vicki Hall lead the team.

The women’s team made the Elite 8. Edna Campbell and Vicki Hall were the marquee players. On February 23, a crowd of 11,616 saw the Razorbacks end a 183-game win streak, but Texas still made it to the elite 8 in the NCAA tournament, losing to Louisiana Tech. The women’s71-57. All of the losses during the year are to teams that made the NCAA tournament. Edna Campbell is the MVP for the SWC tournament.

1989 – 27-5 Elite 8 – Elite 8, but the UT program that dominated in the 80s starts a slow decline

Edna Campbell Hall of Honor.

The season ended with another loss to Louisiana Tech in the NCAA tournament. The game was not close  (71-57)

1990-1991 21-9 record (The centennial year of Longhorn basketball) eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

It is the first time in Longhorn sports history that the women did not advance past the first round of the NCAA tournament. It was also the first time in 9 years that Texas did not win the SWC. It was the most defeats in 13 years. Edna Campbell and Vicki Hall led the team. Horns finished 16 nationally.

Horns won the postseason crown on a last-second shot by Benita Pollard #33.

March 7, 1991, a 10-game winning streak against SWC opponents ends with a defeat to Texas Tech 63-61. It was Tech’s first win against the Longhorns in 37 tries.

The Longhorn Critic Proof program begins to fade, and Critics start to question Coach Conradt’s program.

• Dallas Morning News writes, “Lady Longhorns baffled by the decline of dominance.”

• Austin American Statesman, states, “Slide from the Summit.”

• Coach Conradt told the San Antonio Express-News, “The Texas mystique is dead. We’re just like anybody else now.

Lamar beats Texas in the NCAA tournament.

1991-1992 21-10 record Coach Conradt – 3rd in the conference eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament

All-American Vicki Hall goes out with a knee injury. Cinietra Henderson and Fey Meeks replaced Vicki. This year Texas became the 3rd women’s basketball team in Division I to record 500 victories and is the only one to do so in less than 20 years. Nekeshia Henderson earned SWC freshman of the year honors.

Henderson,Holcomb, Clark, jones, Bradi, Kristi, Meeks, RouttPolard, Cobi, McCutchen, Hall, Benton , Henderson

Texas played five teams in the top 25 this year, settling for a 3 – 3 record. For the first time in history, the Longhorn women’s basketball team suffered three straight losses in the SWC. Their record after the 3rd consecutive loss was 15-8.

Tech won both the SWC regular season and the SWC tournament 76-74.

The team loses to Louisiana Tech in the Midwest regionals.

Vicki Hall had a devastating knee injury in 1991, so she received another year’s scholarship. Playing with a brace in 1992, Vicki sets a career Longhorn women’s basketball record with 104 three-point shots and is All SWC three times.

Texas drops out of the top 25 poll for the first time in 10 years.

More derogatory articles are written about the direction of Coach Conradt’s program.

1992-1993 –  22-8 Record Coach Conradt- eliminated in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.

Cinnietra Henderson, as of 2002, has the best season FG percent of .649 and career of 425 FT’s made.

Freshman Danielle Viglione leads the SWC in scoring, and with the support of the NCAA and Title IX women, Longhorns are on the way to an equity position with the men’s athletic program. The preliminary NCAA plan requires annual reports comparing the treatment of men’s and women’s sports programs.

Top of the Charts 1993 UB40

AD Lopiano resigned to join a Women’s Sports organization. Texas settled a Title IX lawsuit, and the UT administration started funding women’s soccer, softball, and some other sports.

Coach Conradt becomes the first women’s coach to win 600 games

1993- 1994-  22-9 Record Coach Conradt eliminated in 2nd round of NCAA tournament

Danielle Viglione, as of 2002, had the most 3-point attempts in a season (308), the career record for 3-point shots made of 239, and the career record of 793 3-point attempts.

1994-1995-  12-16 Record Coach Conradt

For the first time in the history of the SWC, there were no Longhorns on the all-conference team. This was the first-ever losing record, and the first time since 1982 the Horns were not in the playoffs. Amie Smith led the team in rebounding.

Attendance continues to shrink.

Marsha Sharp from Texas Tech says, “Tech does not have to be at peak form to beat UT.” Tech won 84-40

 It was an ugly year for the Horns, and the first time in 20 years, Texas did not get invited to a post-season tournament.

1995-1996 21-9 Record Coach Conradt- eliminated in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament

A much better year than 1995 but far from great. Randy Riggs from the Austin American Statesman says, “the UT women had done more uphill climbs than Sir Edmund Hillary.”

Coach Conradt was inducted into the Women’s Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.

Kim Lummina as of 2002 has the career record FT percent of .839

1996-1997 22-8  Record  Coach Conradt -eliminated in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament

The new Big 12 conference does not include the SWC members SMU, TCU, Rice, and Houston.

Conradt gets a $250,000 a-year raise and extension until 2002.

This was Coach Conradt’s most experienced group in 10 years. 5 seniors, 6 other letter winners return to a team that won the SWC the year before. This year will be the first for the Big 12 conference.

1997-1998 12-15 Record Coach Conradt

UT goes 0-11 on the road

1998-1999  16- 12 Record Coach Conradt eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

1999-2000- 21-13 eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

This year was the 22nd 20-game win season. Stunned N.C. State in competition, upset #10 Illinois, beat rated Oklahoma twice and was invited to the NCAA tournament for the 16th time.

TOP OF THE CHARTS 1999 Cristina Aguilera

2000-2001 21-13 eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

2001-2002 22-10 – team made the sweet 16

Kala Bowers as of 2002, had the best 3-point percentage of .453

2002-2003 29-6 Texas reached the final 4

2003-2004 29-6 won both the Big 12 regular season and Big 12 Tournament, and reached the Final Four for the first time since 1987. 

Conradt Earns 800th Win

The team makes the Final 4 but loses to Connecticut.

Texas’ Jody Conradt is the second women’s basketball coach to win 800 games. Conradt is 800-262 in 34 seasons, with one championship.

Heather Schreiber (Hall of Honor inductee) had 15 points and a career-high 15 rebounds as Texas (12-4, 5-0 Big 12) snapped Tech’s 15-game winning streak and stayed in first place in the conference.

2004-2005 22-9 eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament

Jamie Carey – two-time first team All Big 12 (no picture)

2005- 13-15

 2006-2007 18-14 pending info

Coach Conradt won her last home game against Texas Tech. She coached the Longhorns for 31 years and successfully transitioned her teams from the AIAW to the NCAA, SWC, and the Big 12.

•

Reflections of a great coach

Coach Conradt is one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. With a little luck, Coach Conradt’s teams could have challenged Connecticut women’s basketball as the best program in intercollegiate women’s basketball history.

National championship teams require good recruiting, a competent coaching staff, players with faith in the system, trust, respect, talent, team chemistry, a strong work ethic, and a little luck. Texas lost to Louisiana Tech 8 out of 8 years, and even if Texas had won all those games, injuries, lousy luck, and quirky plays still derailed some Longhorn national championship runs.

Conradt’s teams have advanced to the final eight four times. Including a devastating loss in the Mideast regional semifinal, in which Western Kentucky upset Texas 92-90, she said, “I don’t think I’ll ever get over this.”

THE 600 CLUB Article from Sports Illustrated December 21, 1992

In the mid-70s, when Coach Jody Conradt was building a winning women’s basketball program at Texas, she spent $5 on a magazine that explained North Carolina coach Dean Smith’s run-and-jump defense. Coach Conradt said, “That became the defensive philosophy I’ve always tried to follow.” Years later, Coach Conradt joined Dean Smith in the small group of active Division I coaches who won 600 games. She was the first woman to reach that pinnacle in basketball when the Lady Longhorns beat Creighton 86-69. Coach Conradt is now the inspiration for many new coaches. Arkansas women’s coach John Sutherland, whose team ended Texas’s remarkable streak of 183 conference victories in 1990, recalls the time the Lady Longhorns beat the Lady Razorbacks by 42 points in 1985. He asked Conradt to breakfast the next morning, looking for suggestions on how to improve his team. Conradt offered some and then said, “When you beat us….” Sutherland suggested that she meant if, not when. “She pointed the finger at me and said, ‘When you beat us. You have to believe that first,'” says Sutherland. “I will never forget that. That was one of the most important things anyone ever said to me in coaching. There are few people I respect in the game of basketball more than Jody Conradt.” Former Texas Tech Head Coach Marsha Sharp says, “Jody is an icon in the women’s game. The program she has built at the University of Texas is a model for programs all across the nation. The footprints she leaves will always be an important part of our history. I personally consider her a mentor and friend, and she has always been a classy competitor. Her 900 wins point to the fact that she is one of the best that has ever coached this game.” – End of Sports Illustrated article All coaches have to overcome nemesis, injuries, bad luck, and quirky plays to reach the pinnacle of success in college sports. Coach Conradt is no exception. Injuries and Coach Conradt’s nemesis Louisiana Tech thwarted Texas momentum several times, and arguments can be made that both cost the Horns several national championships. College basketball teams don’t lose players like Longhorn players Jackie Swaim, Annette Smith, Yulonda Wimbish, Doreatha Conwell, Clarissa Davis, and Vicki Hall without some unfavorable consequences. Then there is Louisiana Tech. For eight years, the Longhorns were National Championship contenders, and seven times the Longhorns lost to Louisiana Tech.

National Honors

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame:

Class of 2013 – Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

• Played at the University of Texas from 1981-1986, finishing her career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,523 points

• Smith-Knight led the longhorns to the 1986 NCAA Division I National Championship with a perfect 34-0 record

• She was named the 1983 Southwest Conference Tournament MVP

• In 1983 and 1984, she was the University of Texas team MVP and Southwest Conference Player of the Year.

• Smith-Knight was a 1984 Kodak All-American, USBWA All-American, and Wade Trophy finalist

• At the University of Texas, she ranks 1st in field goals made (1,052), 2nd in career scoring average (19.3 ppg), 3rd in career free throws made (419), 5th in career steals (295), and 6th in career rebounds (966).

• She holds the University of Texas record for most consecutive games in double-figuring scoring with 33

• Smith-Knight started all 131 games she played while at the University of Texas, never losing a Southwest Conference game

• A member of the 1983 World University Games team which captured gold

• She was inducted into the University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor in 2002 and into the Texas Black Sports Hall of F

Andrea Lloyd is a member of the Women’s Basket Ball Hall of Fame

Clarissa Davis

Clarissa Davis is a former Texas women’s basketball All-American. She is a National Player of the Year, Olympic and pro standout, and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in April 2006.

Won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in both 1987 and 1989 and the Wade Trophy in 1989

• As a senior in 1988–89, named USBWA Women’s National Player of the Year, WBCA Player of the Year, and Mercedes Benz National Player of the Year

• Two-time Kodak All-American and Naismith All-American, All-American at the University of Texas (1987, 1989) … consensus All-American

• Earned Most Outstanding Player honors as a freshman at the 1986 Final Four, leading Texas to the NCAA Championship and an undefeated season with a 34–0 record… Also led Texas to the NCAA Final Four (1987) and the Elite Eight twice (1988, 1989)

• Named to the NCAA and the Southwest Conference “Team of the Decade” for the 1980s, earning top honors as the SWC’s “Athlete of the Decade.”

• She scored 2,008 points during her collegiate career for an average of 19.9 ppg … in the Texas career record book, she stands 1st, scoring average; 3rd, scoring; 4th, rebound average (8.7 RPG); 5th, field goal pct. (.539); 8th, rebounding (887)

• Set Texas single-season records (as a senior) for points (843), scoring average (26.3 ppg), and free throws made (188)

• Came to UT after starring at John Jay High School in San Antonio

• No. 24 retired by Texas Longhorns in 2020.

Kamie Ethridge- inducted in 2002

Women’s Basketball 3/6/2018 11:18:00 AM By Ryan Pfeifer, UNCBears.Com

@UNCBearsWBB Head Coach Kamie Ethridge Named Big Sky Coach Of The Year

UNC’s Kamie Ethridge named Big Sky Coach of the Year

RENO, Nev. – Northern Colorado’s women’s basketball coach Kamie Ethridge earned her first career Big Sky Coach of the Year honor, as announced by the conference on Tuesday afternoon. Ethridge led the Bears to a 23-6 record and the program’s first outright Big Sky regular season championship with a 15-3 conference record.

In her fourth year with UNC, she guided the team to a program-best 23 wins and led the team to a few program firsts. It all began on opening night when Northern Colorado defeated its first Top 25 ranked team, winning at No. 20/25 DePaul 94-88. The team proceeded to win its first game against an SEC opponent, LSU, in its home opener 58-50, and it all culminated in the Big Sky regular season title being wrapped up on February 28 with a win at home over Portland State.

Along with the team’s success this season, Ethridge helped guide Savannah Scott, Savannah Smith, and Kianna Williams to All-Big Sky honors. Smith earned the Most Valuable Player award and her second straight first-team designation. Williams was named the Defensive Player of the Year, while Scott made her way onto the second team for the second straight year.

Over her four years as UNC head coach, Ethridge is 80-43 overall and 52-22 in Big Sky games. She led the program to its deepest postseason run, advancing to the third round of the WNIT. In three of her four years at the helm, Northern Colorado has won at least 22 games.

Ethridge and her Bears will play their first game of the Big Sky Conference Tournament tomorrow at 1:05 pm MT against Montana in Reno, Nevada.

To stay up to date on all things UNC women’s basketball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Twitter at @UNCBearsWBB.

National Player of the Year Award (Wade Trophy)

The Wade Trophy is an award presented annually to the best women’s basketball player in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition. It is named after three–time national champion Delta State University coach Lily Margaret Wade. The award debuted in 1978 as the first–ever women’s national player of the year award in college basketball. State Farm Insurance sponsors the award, and the trophy is presented at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association National Convention.

Danielle Biglione 1993-1997 is a 3 time all-conference player and is part of the 1996 SWC champion. She still holds the record for career 3 pointer made.

WNBA

If a photo is not shown of an award winner then I have no access to the picture.

Kamie Ethridge as a Longhorn

Women’s Basketball 3/6/2018 11:18:00 AM By Ryan Pfeifer, UNCBears.com

@UNCBearsWBB Head Coach Kamie Ethridge Named Big Sky Coach of the Year

RENO, Nev. – Kamie Ethridge, the women’s basketball coach at Northern Colorado, has been awarded her first Big Sky Coach of the Year honor, as announced by the conference on Tuesday afternoon. Under her leadership, the Bears achieved a remarkable 23-6 record, securing the program’s first outright Big Sky regular season championship with a 15-3 conference record.

In her fourth year with UNC, Ethridge guided the team to a program-best 23 wins and celebrated several significant milestones. The season kicked off with a historic victory over a Top 25 ranked team, as Northern Colorado defeated No. 20/25 DePaul 94-88. The Bears also won their first game against an SEC opponent, beating LSU 58-50 in their home opener. Their impressive journey culminated in the Big Sky regular season title, which they secured on February 28 with a home victory over Portland State.

In addition to the team’s success this season, Ethridge helped Savannah Scott, Savannah Smith, and Kianna Williams earn All-Big Sky honors. Smith received the Most Valuable Player award along with her second consecutive first-team designation. Williams was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year, while Scott made the second team for the second year in a row.

During her four years as head coach at UNC, Ethridge has an overall record of 80-43, with 52-22 in Big Sky games. She led the program to its deepest postseason run, advancing to the third round of the WNIT. In three of her four seasons, Northern Colorado has won at least 22 games.

Ethridge and her team will play their first game in the Big Sky Conference Tournament tomorrow at 1:05 PM MT against Montana in Reno, Nevada.

To stay updated on all things related to UNC women’s basketball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Twitter at @UNCBearsWBB.

Goestenkors was the youngest head coach at a major Division I program when she took the reigns at Duke University in 1992.  During her 15-year tenure at Duke, she sets many milestones:

·      418-112 for a (.790 winning percentage);

·       Ranked  No. 4 among active Division I coaches in winning percentage ;

·       Was No. 5 among all-time Division I coaches in winning percentage;

·       Was the fourth-fastest Division I women’s basketball coach to register 400 career wins;

·      Received a remarkable 12 National Coach of the Year awards at Duke;

·       lead the Blue Devils to 13 consecutive NCAA Championship appearances;

·       Advanced to four NCAA Final Four berths;

·       Played in the national semifinals in 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2006, making two NCAA championship game appearances (1999, 2006);

·       Won 30 games in seven consecutive seasons;

·       Coached three gold medal USA basketball teams

During her tenure at Texas, she was not able to duplicate her tremendous success at Duke. Even though Texas was invited to the NCAA Tournament all five years she was head coach, her 102-64 win-loss record was unimpressive.

 Coach Goestenkor’s teams may have struggled on the basketball court, but they shined scholastically. 

Leaders in Academics

2007 – 2008  22-13 Gail Goestenkors- eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament

This was Goestenkor’s first year at Texas.  Texas made its 22nd appearance at the NCAA tournament. Gail Goestenkors  “We need to work on being consistent.  Good one week and poor the next.

The Horns lost in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament to the University of Connecticut  89 to 55.

2008- 2009 –  21-12 Gail Goestenkors- eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

 A YEAR OF INCONSISTENCIES-  women’s basketball.  Texas lost 4 in a row to the Aggies.  Texas won 8 games in the Big 12.
The Lady Longhorns lost to Iowa State in the Big 12 finals. The team leaders were Kathleen Nash, Brittaney, and Ashley Lindsey.  Horns fell to Baylor in the Big 12 tournament.  The horns made their 23rd trip to the NCAA tournament but lost in the first round to Mississippi State.

2009-2010 –  22-11 Gail Goestenkors- eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

Texas was ranked #12 in the first week of the season. The Horns were ranked #18 at the end pre Big 12 tournament.

Coach Goestenkors shows her commitment to academics when she punishes one of her key players who missed a class by sitting her down for the first half of a game against UTSA. Texas is behind at halftime, but eventually wins the game.

Texas entered the NCAA tournament at #15 in the nation but was defeated in the first round by the San Diego State Aztecs.

2010- 2011 –  19-14 Gail Goestenkors eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

The Horns were the 9th seed in the NCAA tournament but lost to Marquette in the first round. The team finished 19-14 for the year. Kathleen Nash was the team leader, ending her career with 1,518 points. Texas only scored 17 points against A&M in the first half but almost pulled off an upset with a surge in the second half, losing 68-65.

At the end of the season, the Horns were ranked #18. In the Big 12 tournament, they made it to the quarterfinals but lost to Texas A&M. In the NCAA tournament, they lost to the San Diego State Aztecs 74-63.

2011-2012  18-14 Gail Goestenkors- eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament

After losing to the Aggies 11 straight times, the Horns finally won.   Texas Tech beat Texas In the first round of the Big 12 tournament.  The Horns also lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament.  Gostenkor resigns.

Reflection Point  

Make no mistake about it Coach Goestenkors had big shoes to fill. Replacing a legend is tough as each of the coaches listed below knows. 

• Coach Price replaced Coach Bible, (football)

• Coach Akers replaced Coach Royal, (football)

• Coach Strong replaced Coach Brown, (football)

• Coach Schubert replace Coach Quick (women’s swimming)

• Coach McCain replaced Coach Moore (women’s tennis)

• Coach Sategna replaced Coach Beverly Kearney (women’s track)

• Coach Lovvern replaced Coach Litttlefield (men’s track), and

• many others

Based on Coach Goestenkor’s performance as a Head Coach at Duke she was the right person for the Texas job. The Duke administration loved her and countered Texas’s financial offer, but she told Duke ” it was not about the money”. “it was about the challenge.” It was about a new opportunity.” “It was about an adventure.”  

5 years later in 2012, the “adventure” was over. She resigned because she was physically and mentally “tired”. While she did not know it when she took the job at Texas, the 20 years prior to her Longhorn tenure coaching the USA international basketball teams, Duke, and the Olympic teams sapped her of her energy.   Being “tired” is not an indictment of Coach Goestenkors,  it is a reality of what happens to all coaches who spend 12 months a year working 12 hours a day. It is called burn-out, and it happens more often than not to coaches.  

There were also secondary reasons she resigned.  

• lack of accomplishing her goals at UT;

• injuries to her players;

• struggles recruiting the “right” players to put Texas over the “hump”; and

• dealing with non-basketball related problems of her players 24/7 for 27 years.

Karen Aston 2012- 2020

A proven winner in rebuilding basketball programs at North Texas and UNC of Charlotte.

 AUSTIN, Texas – University of Texas assistant women’s basketball coach Tina Thompson, the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Women’s National Basketball Association, on Tuesday was named to the WNBA Top 20@20, recognizing the 20 greatest and most influential players in the league’s 20-year history.   

2012-2013 – 12-18 Coach Karen Aston

 Many thought that the 2012-2013 season was a low point in Longhorn basketball. Part of the problem was learning the new playbook by the new head coach. In addition, the team had injuries and inexperienced athletes. They were 8th in the conference. This was the first year that the NCAA allowed Coaches to give athletes instruction during the summer months.

Team rule suspensions cost Texas the services of Chassidy Fussel and Nneka Enemkpali and a loss against Kansas.  But the second time these two teams met this season, the two suspended players were back, and  Texas won.

2013 – 2014 – 22-12 Coach Karen Aston eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament

Enemkpali led the team in scoring with 21.4 points per game and shooting nearly 61%. She had six consecutive double-doubles to start the season, breaking the team record held by 2006 player Tiffany Jackson. Enemkpali collected several conferences and national Player of the Week honors.

 The Horns Make the NCAA 2nd round

Texas played Kansas State, winning one and losing one. The record all-time was Texas’s 13 wins and Kansas State’s 12.

2014 – 2015 24-11 Coach Karen Aston – team makes sweet 16

2015- 2016 -31-5 Coach Karen Aston – team makes elite 8

Big Wins In 2015

Imani Boyette has been on the Big 12 first team and was the 2016 Big 12 defensive player of the year.  (no picture)

“Retha Swindell – A Personal Tribute”

by Rodney Page

“The game starts on the defensive end.”  That was my belief and philosophy throughout my basketball coaching career.  That mindset guided me in recruiting Retha Swindell for the UT Women’s basketball team.  I first saw her play in the 1974 State Tournament in the intimate confines of Gregory Gym on the UT campus.  In many respects, she was poetry in motion with gazelle-like, fluid movements, light on her feet, with explosive quickness in acceleration and leaping.  And, she only played on the defensive end of the floor as Texas girls’ basketball was still playing half-court with 3 offensive players on one end and 3 defensive players on the other end with neither crossing center court.  Those were the times.  She was an All-Tourney selection as a junior in 1974.

 What I saw in Retha was a Bill Russell type player who potentially could greatly impact the college game with her defensive and rebounding skills, as well as her ability her to run the floor due to her track experience.  Speed, quickness, height, and wingspan were her gifts that I was certain would translate into basketball success at the collegiate level.

 A short time later I observed her at the 1974 Girls’ State Track and Field Meet at Memorial Stadium during which she set both the National and State record in the Triple Jump at 39 feet.

2 3/4 inches.  Truly, an impressive accomplishment for a gifted athlete and a special young lady.  Are you feeling what I saw?  It was more poetry in motion to watch as she made her approach down the runway to the triple jump pit with her fluid, gazelle-like stride and the explosive, well-coordinated take-off.  Can you see it? 

 Needless to say, I was excited about Retha’s performances in both the state basketball tournament and track meet.  In my mind’s eye, I was able to quickly transfer her immense track talent to the basketball court.  I envisioned her as a defensive anchor in whatever defense we played, man-man (player-player), zone, or full-court press in which she could be a basket protector as well as point the press on occasion.  And yes, we played them all.  I also knew that she could run the floor and would be a perfect fit in our preferred up-tempo style.

 Because of her innate natural talent, I assumed that she would be a force on the defensive end

of the court, and of course rebounding.   I anticipated that she would probably average around 8-10 points per game just being around the basket.  Remember, I had never seen her play offensive basketball.  Retha’s per/game averages for her 1975-76 freshman season, the only season she played for me, were as follows: 15.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 5.6 steals, and 2.8 blocks. 

An amazing, dominant performance for a player who had never played the full-court game.  Obviously, I underestimated her offensive skills — a monumental understatement.  What I have learned is that Retha’s offensive skills were developed and polished through competition with her brothers and cousins who were outstanding high school and collegiate athletes. For Retha’s freshman season, she was recognized as a Co-MVP award winner along with Cathy Steinle (Self-Morgan).   She was truly a gifted athlete with the intellect and intelligence to match.  She possessed an extremely high basketball IQ, with a knack and feel for the game which contradicted her full-court playing experience.  A few other traits stood out about Retha.  She was quiet, somewhat shy, yet extremely discerning, insightful,          intuitive, and a quick learner with a witty, dry sense of humor. ????

The Recruiting Process

 I think you can see why I was excited about recruiting Retha to UT.  Her talent and potential were enormous, so apparent, and so obvious to those who understood the game, and had “eyes to see.”  Not only would she be an anchor, but a cornerstone as well for a quickly improving and developing program.  That was my vision and thinking at the time.

 My first contact was with her high school basketball and track coach, Dorothy Williams, in the Spring of 1974.  I shared several phone conversations and letters with Coach Williams.  I first met Retha in person at the 1974 UIL Track and Field Meet.

 Let me back up a little.  There was no recruiting budget at the time.  Letters and long-distance phone calls to Coach Williams were the primary means of communication.  There was no long-distance phone line for Women’s basketball at the time.  Leon Black, UT Men’s Basketball Coach, was gracious in offering and sharing his office phone as well as other equipment, supplies, and facilities.  The women’s budget was slim, to very limited, at the time.  I was on the hustle to elevate the program to a successful, respectable status.

Coach Williams and I quickly developed a professional relationship based on truth and trust.  She was very much in favor of Retha attending UT.  She was aware of the overall racial significance of Retha attending UT and knew that Retha had both the academic and athletic gifts to excel at UT.  I’ve been told that Coach Williams shielded Retha from other coaches and recruiters in deference to my recruiting pursuit of her for UT Women’s basketball.  “TRUST.”  In essence, I not only recruited Retha, but also Coach Williams, and Retha’s family as well.  Considering the times, and what we were embarking upon, it was absolutely essential.  I understood the life language, in addition, I was uniquely qualified and able to address Retha’s aspirations, as well as fears and concerns that she, or her family and others, may have had.  The path of a pioneer or trailblazer is never easy, yet it is filled with significant meaning and fulfillment.  It is not for everyone.  I know the path well!  Retha Swindell had the internal strength and many other unique qualities that allowed her to successfully break a long-standing color barrier in becoming the first African-American Woman Basketball Player at UT.  It took great courage to “walk that walk” with the spirit of a pioneer and trailblazer.  She was “called” for that purpose in her life.

 Retha was also blessed with a solid support system which included a strong, positive family dynamic, caring and protective coaches, and Helen and Judy Bowers (the Bowers sisters) two Center HS teachers who served as caring mentors and advocates for Retha.  If memory serves me correctly, they were UT graduates and very much wanted Retha to attend UT. 

 In the spring of 1975, I made a recruiting visit to Center, TX (at my expense) to attend an awards ceremony at which Retha received scholarship recognition.  It was a special opportunity to meet and visit with her family, other coaches and teachers, and the Bowers sisters.  It was important and crucial for me to journey to Center, TX, Retha’s hometown and turf, to visit her family and support system.  Retha had a large family that included 10 siblings with triplet sisters in the mix.  I remember walking into Retha’s home with many of her family gathered around.  Her mother’s eyes connected with mine, with a message which seemed to say, “will you take care of and look out for my daughter?”  “TRUST”

 Another important recruiting connection was that I knew Retha’s older brother, Earl Swindell, who owned a Gulf Service Station in Houston’s Third Ward at the corner of Scott St. and

MacGregor Parkway.  I lived in the Third Ward while completing my high school (Jack Yates) and college (University of Houston) days.  Swindell’s Gulf Station was an occasional pit stop for me, whereas I had an uncle who lived closer and was a frequent visitor to the station and knew Earl on a friendship basis.  Connections in the community were important!  “TRUST.”  The oral history is that Swindell’s Gulf Service Station was one of the first African-American owned service stations in Houston, TX.  He owned that business for close to 40 years.  In many respects, Earl Swindell was an anchor in the community providing not only excellent service, but jobs and often financial assistance to those in need.  A true testament to the Swindell family values of “work ethic” with a strong sense of “responsibility” and “sharing.”  

 The Scholarship

 Retha was the recipient of the prestigious Texas Achievement Scholarship, a 4-year full ride to UT, based on her academic achievements in high school.  She graduated 4th in her class from Center HS where she was a member of the National Honor Society 2 years and a member of Who’s Who 4 years.  She was a true student-athlete and her excellence extended far beyond athletics.  Retha Swindell would not have been able to attend UT if not for the academic scholarship.  At the time there were no full athletic scholarships for women, only a few partials for each sport.  The financial times were lean in Women’s Athletics.

For many reasons, it was important for Retha to attend UT on an academic scholarship.  It was somewhat intentional, yes!  In truth, I preferred it to be that way.  You see, when barriers are crossed and broken so are myths, stereotypes, and erroneous beliefs.  Part of Retha’s UT journey has been to defy many of the myths, stereotypes, and erroneous beliefs about the capacity, competence, and qualifications of black athletes and people of color; academically and athletically.  There were other athletes, more than acknowledged, who were capable of attending UT, academically and not just athletically.  Of that, I am certain.  A sense of welcome and belonging were not as obvious as today, and some athletes were not willing to face the challenges and difficulties of breaking racial barriers.  The history, as well as the progress, are both undeniable.

Another aspect of the story is that two other talented black players at Panola Junior College, Debra Thomas and Pat Johnson, had agreed to play for the Lady Longhorns in the next season of 1976-77.  They had been recruited and vetted by coach Dorothy Williams and the Bowers sisters.  “TRUST.”   Debra Thomas had been a teammate of Retha’s at Center HS.  After my coaching termination, they chose to take their talents to Stephen F. Austin and play for the legendary coach, Sue Gunter.

Internal Strength:

In the fall of Retha’s sophomore year, November of 1976, tragedy struck the Swindell family.  I received a call from Retha one evening informing me that her mother had been killed in an auto accident returning home from Church.  I remember seeing Retha on campus during that time burdened with great sadness and disappointment.  I knew the sadness I had in my heart and could only imagine what Retha was carrying internally.  Obviously, during this challenging time her internal strength and composure were not only tested, but shone brightly as her academic and athletic excellence never wavered.  As you might suspect, I made another trip to Center, TX offering my support and concern for Retha and her family.  In a small way, I was answering the message of her mother’s eyes when we first met, yes, “I will look out for your daughter.”  “TRUST.”  In a recent phone conversation, Retha shared that Novembers are still tough for her.

Records, Awards, and other Achievements

Retha’s legion of achievements includes USA/International Basketball Experience on the 1978 USA Select Team which traveled to Korea, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.  She was also honored as Women’s NIT All-American in 1977-78, along with other AIAW honors for rebounding and points scored.  In the Texas Record Book, her achievements are numerous, and well documented in the areas of rebounding, scoring, and games played.  In her own humble and unassuming manner, she was truly outstanding!

 Retha was a 2001 University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee.  In 2014, The Center High School Alumni Association recognized Retha as a Hall of Honor Award Recipient for all of her achievements.  Both Hall of Honor Awards represented achievements on and off the court.

After graduating from UT in 1979, Retha played professional basketball with the Chicago Hustle and Dallas Diamonds.  Matter of fact, at her request, I assisted in negotiating her first professional contract with the Chicago Hustle.  I was still looking out for her mother’s daughter.  It was an honor and a privilege.  “TRUST.”

Retha settled into a long teaching and successful coaching career with stops in Tyler, Pineland, and Baytown.  Her achievements included district championships, regional finalists, and twice being named “district coach of the year.”  She has recently retired from Baytown ISD and hopefully enjoying retirement.

Wilma Rudolph once said, “Sometimes it takes years to really grasp what has happened to (in) your life.”  This is often true for many.  As I look back over the 45 years I’ve known Retha, I better understand and grasp the deep meaning and significance of her journey.  I trust that she does as well.  She has played an integral role in the shifting, social landscape of Texas Longhorn Athletics History, Black History, and American History. 

I share this tribute to honor not only Retha, but also her strong family, Coach Dorothy J. Williams, Helen and Judy Bowers, and the remainder of Retha’s support network.  All, have a special place in my heart and soul.  The “Village” has always been an important dimension in the life and legacy of Retha Renee Swindell.

Rodney Page

Life Coach

February 19, 2019

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Rodney Page talks about Leon Black, Betty Thompson, and Rhetha Swindell

link to Leon Black by Rodney Page

https://www.texaslsn.org/rodney-page-and-leon-black-2

link to Betty Thompson by Rodney Page

htps://www.texaslsn.org/rodney-page-tribute-to-betty-thompson

link to Retha Swindell by Rodney Page

https://www.texaslsn.org/retha-swindell-by-rodney-page-1

RODNEY PAGE – 1973-1976 – First Longhorn Black Head Coach 

Rodney Page was offered the head coaching job for the Longhorn women’s basketball team in 1973 by Betty Thompson, who is a Longhorn pioneer in her own right. To read about Betty Thompson’s influence on U.T. sports, visit www.texaslsn.org, and click on “Support” then “Athletic Directors.” 

Rodney remembers the moment and reason he accepted Betty Thompson’s offer. He said, “I would have rejected the job if I felt like I was hired as the “token” African American, but Betty Thompson convinced me by her words, heart, and spirit I was offered the job because of ability and competence.” The hiring of Rodney Page was the right decision, and is now a part of Betty Thompson’s great legacy and Longhorn sports history.

  1973 A Year of Many Firsts

Coach Page deserves tremendous accolades for his accomplishments. He took a team no one wanted, moved the team to better facilities, helped convert the group from club to varsity status, and improved the team’s competitive performance from losing to tournament play in three years. Along the way, he and his team experienced many firsts.

• First Longhorn women’s collegiate team to use Gregory Gym

• The first time the U.T. band and cheerleaders performed at a collegiate women’s sporting event

• First-time trainers were totally committed to Longhorn women athletes

• First extensive use of press releases to promote women’s sports

• The first time that an official game program gave equal billing to women and men athletes

• The first time that Longhorn men and Longhorn women were promoted together. (The women played prior to the men’s game.)

While the U.T. Athletic P.R. department should be applauded for a consistent and credible message that helps legitimize all Longhorn women’s sports to a fan base that was initially skeptical, winning was the vital elixir. Winning in women’s volleyball, basketball, softball, swimming, and track increased fan interest and fan attendance. Other universities noted Texas’s successful formula and the Longhorns became the de facto benchmark for women’s sports. Rodney Page’s teams were a benchmark.

Coach Page combined hard work, creativity, and coaching acumen to succeed at the college level.

Like many other coaches of women’s sports in the 70’s, he had to improvise to survive. A small budget required his teams to play in used volleyball uniforms and compromise on amenities during road games. Cars- not planes- were used for travel and one time they had to stay with a family member. Rodney Page wore many hats. He was a travel agent, coach, mentor, and ground crew for the basketball team. Even with all the obstacles, his teams excelled. 

As a coach, he believed in a winning tradition with players who mastered the fundamentals of the sport and who possessed certain intangibles that all great teams exhibited. Asked by a reporter what constitutes intangibles he said “character and pride……………….It’s the things that keep people performing when they’re tired…. Intangibles can be as important as money in building a program.” 

Death of a Dream

Coaches who qualify for tournament play are usually celebrated for their accomplishments- but not Coach Page. Unfortunately, A change at the top of the UT Athletic administration cost him his job. He was the right hire at the wrong time in Longhorn sports history.   In 1975, the Longhorns hired Donna Lopiano as the first women’s AD at UT. She was the right person for the job, and her success as AD is indisputable. Unfortunately for Coach Page, the new AD wanted a coaching staff that reflected her vision for the Longhorns. For reasons only she knows, Rodney Page was not part of her vision.                

Two of his great players protested his release. Retha Swindell and Cathy Self said Coach Page was a “driven but fair man who cared about his players.” Their support of him was honorable and sincere but futile. UT does not have a reverse gear.

A “Calling” leads to a New Dream. 

Just like the teams he coached, Rodney Page had good fundamentals and intangibles that all winners possess, and he used these qualities to build a new and better dream. A dream filled with faith, friends, and family. He says, ” in a sense, the whole experience nudged me forward…..It also launched me into my true place and calling”.

From the author’s perspective, I admire Rodney Page for building a new dream. Life can be very unfair. Many individuals whose dreams turn into nightmares harbor anger and bitterness for a lifetime.   

Finally Recognized 

For his contributions to Longhorn women’s basketball, Coach Page was recognized by the University of Texas in February 2016. For over 40 years, he had little contact with UT Athletics, and then, one day, he got a phone call from the AD’s office stating that UT wanted to honor him. Rodney accepted the invitation and commented, “Regarding forgiveness and overcoming a mindset- “I had to say yes” to the request.   http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18788073

Rodney Page is unquestionably a pioneer in the history of UT sports. His life story is exemplary of all that is good about the spirit of humanity. He dared to dream and lost. He dared to dream again and won. He now uses his experiences to inspire young, impressionable minds to dare to dream. Les Brown had Rodney Page in mind when he said: “help others achieve their dreams, and you will achieve yours.” For Rodney Page, it is mission accomplished.

I am thankful and honored to be in the Class of 2017 “Good Legends” recognized at the recent Austin Closing Ceremony at City Hall. All Legends are true Champions for the Greater Good, selfless individuals serving Austin, Central TX., and the World. “Well Done, Faithful Servants.” A special thank you for recognizing Good for the great work and “beacon of light” your outstanding organization shares in a world and society that has seemingly lost its way. #lighthouse #gratitude. Rodney is second from the right.

 Billy Dale – Proud member of the 1967 football recruiting class