January 01, 2009

Coaches share mentors and goals

Dick Rockne (Seattle Post- Intelligencer) discusses the bonds that link the newest Pac-10's women's basketball head coaches.

Lavonda Wagner (fourth season at Oregon State) said, "I think the link is who we've worked for. I learned how to build a program from Theresa (Grentz) and how to build a player from Gail (Goestenkors)."
Nikki Caldwell (first season at UCLA), speaking of the fact that they are African-American women, "I think it is progress. I think it is well deserved. It's four very well qualified African-American females. Wagner and Jackson and Butts paid their dues and put in the time, effort, energy and sweat equity to earn their positions. They're doing great jobs at their respective institutions."
Tia Jackson (second season at Washington) said, "We're really excited for one another, for the new opportunities, for all the assistant coaches getting new positions. We see that more than the color scheme."
Niya Butts (first season at Arizona) said, "I'm just happy to be a part of a great basketball conference. I'm happy to be part of a great new corps of coaches."
One thing they share is a determination to elevate their teams' competitive levels in a league that continues to be dominated by Stanford, California and Arizona State. Read more...

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