Davis-Wrightsil joins Women's Basketball staff as assistant coach
AUSTIN, Texas -- Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil, former Texas women's basketball Olympian, National Player of the Year and professional standout who recently was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, has been named University of Texas women's assistant basketball coach, as announced by basketball head coach Jody Conradt on Wednesday. Davis-Wrightsil's appointment at her alma mater is effective on June 5, 2006. She replaces Conradt's former assistant, Karen Aston. "Clarissa is the most decorated student-athlete in the history of our program," noted Conradt, in announcing her appointment to the staff. "She had a very productive amateur and professional playing career. Clarissa has been successful at all levels of basketball, including working in a high-profile role in establishing San Antonio's WNBA franchise. "When I knew we had a vacancy on our staff to fill, Clarissa's name was first on my list. Her passion and love for The University of Texas and basketball are unmatched. This is a special opportunity for Clarissa to be in a role of influence over young players and she will do an outstanding job. She'll work with our post players and be involved in every phase of our program." Davis-Wrightsil, a 1989 UT graduate, was hired in 2000 by the NBA's San Antonio Spurs organization to secure a WNBA franchise for the city -- which is her hometown. For two years, Davis-Wrightsil served as Director of Development for Women's Basketball. After a WNBA team (Silver Stars) was awarded, she served as the franchise's Chief Operating Officer where she oversaw business and basketball operations for the franchise. Davis-Wrightsil also served as the Director of the Coalition for Women's Basketball in her native city. In ceremonies this past April, Davis-Wrightsil became the third member of the Texas women's basketball program to be enshrined in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. She joins Conradt, inducted into the Hall in the inaugural class of 1999, and Davis' former teammate, National Player of the Year and All-America point guard Kamie Ethridge, who was inducted in 2002. The UT great made her mark first as a freshman when she gained "Most Outstanding Player" honors at the 1986 NCAA Women's Final Four, helping lead the Longhorns to the 1986 NCAA Championship with a 34-0 mark. Davis went on to earn acclaim as an All-American and as National Player of the Year as a senior, before turning professional and playing in Europe, Asia and the United States (in the American Basketball League [ABL] and WBNA). She also starring on the bronze medal-winning 1992 U.S. Olympic team in Barcelona. "It is an honor and a blessing to be chosen by Coach Conradt to be part of the Texas basketball program once again," said Davis-Wrightsil. "I have great respect for her and what she means to The University and to the game of women's basketball. I look forward to working with the coaching staff and the players on a day-to-day basis. "UT is an elite university that provides the best in academics and athletics. My career has been a by-product of faith and what The University of Texas and Jody Conradt has to offer. Many lessens were learned and character was built while I was a student-athlete here. My goals are to support the staff and to contribute my passion, experience, excitement and knowledge of the game to all the young ladies who wear burnt orange. I am committed to the program's vision and goals," Davis-Wrightsil concluded. Davis-Wrightsil and her husband, Jerald Wrightsil, reside in Austin, Texas.
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