Conradt named recipient of inaugural WNBA
CLEVELAND -- Continuing the WNBA's tradition of honoring inspirational leaders in all walks of life, the league announced the creation of the WNBA "Inspiring Coach Award" on Saturday, and recently-retired University of Texas women¹s basketball head coach Jody Conradt will be its first recipient. The "Inspiring Coach Award" is designed to honor coaches who have positively influenced athletes across numerous levels and whose achievements leave an indelible mark on sports as a whole. A special presentation of the award will be held at the annual WNBA/WBCA Party celebrating coaches and their dedication to the development of women's basketball, held Saturday evening (March 31) at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland. Cleveland is the host site for the 2007 NCAA Women's Final Four activities taking place this weekend. Conradt, who retired after 38 overall years of collegiate coaching (the last 31 years at UT) with a record of 900-307, is the No. 2 all-time winningest coach in men's or women's basketball history. Conradt, a member of both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, retired on March 12, 2007. She was a six-time National Coach of the Year while at the helm of the Texas women's basketball program. Conradt's influence resonated on and off the court, as she not only taught basketball to talented student-athletes, but played a primary role in helping them develop discipline and leadership qualities that serve them in a positive manner well beyond their basketball careers. "The accomplishments of Coach Conradt's players are a testament to her success as a teacher and a mentor," said WNBA President Donna Orender. "She has inspired a generation of female athletes who have competed on the highest levels and embody the values and spirit of their great coach."
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