Who Is Texas Women's Basketball Coach?
Texas Women's Basketball is a prominent college basketball program with a rich history of success. The program has been led by several talented and accomplished coaches over the years. Let's explore some of the notable coaches who have shaped Texas Women's Basketball.
Early Years: Jody Conradt
One of the most iconic figures in Texas Women's Basketball history is Jody Conradt. Conradt served as the head coach from 1976 to 2001, leading the Longhorns to unprecedented success. During her tenure, Conradt amassed an impressive record of 675-174, making her one of the winningest coaches in women's college basketball history. Under Conradt's guidance, Texas captured three national championships (1986, 1989, and 1991) and appeared in 13 Final Fours.
Post-Conradt Era: Gail Goestenkors
After Conradt's retirement, Gail Goestenkors took over the reins of the Texas Women's Basketball program. Goestenkors, a former standout player at the University of Tennessee, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Longhorns. During her eight-year tenure (2001-2009), Goestenkors maintained the program's high standards, leading Texas to two Final Fours and a national championship appearance in 2003.
Shaka Smart and Karen Aston
Following Goestenkors' departure, Shaka Smart, known for his success with the Virginia Commonwealth Rams, took over as the head coach of Texas Women's Basketball. Smart's tenure was relatively short-lived, as he left the program after just three seasons to pursue other opportunities. Karen Aston, a former assistant coach under Conradt, was then appointed as the interim head coach and subsequently took on the role permanently. Aston led the Longhorns for six seasons, guiding them to two Sweet Sixteen appearances.
Current Coach: Vic Schaefer
The current head coach of Texas Women's Basketball is Vic Schaefer, who joined the program in 2020 after a highly successful stint at Mississippi State. Schaefer brought a proven track record of success to Austin, having led Mississippi State to three Final Fours and a national championship in 2018. Under Schaefer's leadership, Texas has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in women's college basketball, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in his first season.
Conclusion
Texas Women's Basketball has a rich tradition of excellence, thanks to the contributions of several talented coaches. From the legendary Jody Conradt to the current leader Vic Schaefer, the program has been consistently competitive at the highest level. As the Longhorns continue to evolve, it will be exciting to see who the next chapter of their coaching legacy will be written by.