Aug. 31, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Women’s Basketball head coach Gail Goestenkors announced today a reorganization of key staff for the upcoming 2011-12 effective Sept. 1. One of the most prolific players in UT history, Edwina Brown has been named the newest assistant coach on Goestenkors’ staff. The 33-year-old Brown assumes the post held by former assistant coach Gale Valley who brings 30 years of coaching experience to the role of special assistant and will now have an emphasis on off-court player development. Shaeeta Williams will convey her passion for fitness by filling Brown’s position as strength and conditioning assistant coach.
“We’re so excited about these changes in our staff,” Goestenkors said. “These enhancements elevate the Texas Women’s Basketball program to a level few can match. We are fortunate to be able to provide the very best staff for our student-athletes in all facets of the program.”
A true ‘Longhorn Legend,’ Brown was a two-time All-American and first-team All-Big 12 Conference team member. She was the 2000 Margaret Wade Trophy recipient, an award that is presented annually to the top player in college basketball, and also named the 2000 ESPN.com Player of the Year. Brown is the only player in UT history to record at least 1,700 points, 500 assists and 250 steals throughout her career, and the only player to lead the Longhorns in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals in the same year, a feat that she accomplished during both her junior and senior seasons.
“Bringing Edwina on board represents our commitment to carrying on the legacy of the rich Texas Women’s Basketball tradition, as well as further tying us to those that paved the way,” Goestenkors said. “’Wink’ is one of the most decorated student-athletes to play our game and has always been the epitome of ‘Texas Tough.’ She will be an outstanding addition to our staff.”
Brown earned a gold medal with the USA Basketball team at the 1998 R. Williams Jones Cup and a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan American Games. She was drafted by the Detroit Shock with the No. 3 pick in the 2000 WNBA Draft and played five years in the league, including three seasons in Detroit and two years with the Phoenix Mercury (2003-04) while also playing professionally overseas. Brown played internationally in Lebanon, Austria, Spain, France and Israel.
“Texas has always been home for me, and to be able to begin my coaching career here at UT is a dream come true,” said Brown. “I was fortunate to play for Hall of Fame coach Jody Conradt, and my career as a coach will be shaped by another legend in Coach G. My ties to the Texas family – both past and present – are undeniable, and I’m extremely proud to be now also be a part of the Texas future.”
Valley, now in her fifth year at UT, came to Texas after serving on the Duke coaching staff for 18 years, the last 15 by the side of Gail Goestenkors. As special assistant, Valley will manage day-to-day program responsibilities, coordinate basketball video work and analysis and serve as the program’s liaison for community relations efforts that are coordinated through UT student services and marketing. A highly-regarded floor coach and widely known as a guard-coaching specialist, Valley initially joined the Texas staff in the spring of 2007 as Goestenkors’ first hire on the Forty Acres.
“Gale Valley will take our player development to a new level. She’s a tremendous teacher of the game, but now she’ll convey her knowledge to our student-athletes in a different capacity by helping in developing them as people and leaders, sharing her drive and passion for the sport when off-the-court,” Goestenkors said. “She’s someone that I trust implicitly. ‘G.V.’ understands exactly what we want and need, and she shares the same vision for this program and our players that I do.”
Williams, also in her fifth year at UT, will oversee all aspects of the Longhorns’ strength and conditioning program under the supervision of Todd Wright.
“Shaeeta has an incredible passion for strength, fitness and conditioning,” Goestenkors said. “I’ve watched her workout ever since she was a student-athlete, and she’s continued to spend a good portion of her life in the weight room ever since. The expertise that Todd and Sha share will help our team obtain premium levels of physical fitness.”
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