WBCA Luncheon

After finally waking up Monday morning, I got myself together and walked over to the WBCA's National Coach of the Year Luncheon. The luncheon is presented by AstraZeneca.

I am always honred to attend this luncheon because I enjoy listening to the stories from each of the coaches who wins an award. Congratulations to each of the winners on each level of women's basketball from high school to Division I (including JUCO, NAIA, Division II, and Division III).

Duke's Lindsey Harding was named the National Player of the Year by the Atlanta Tip-Off Club.

Coaching icon Jody Conradt was honored for winning her 900th game; and, Coach Conradt's speech was exceptional. She was humorous and grateful to everyone who has helped promote women's basketball.

Duke's Gail Goestenkors received the National Division I Coach of the Year award. Her speech was touching; funny; respectful; and emotional. Once again, Coach G called N.C. State head coach Kay Yow her hero for Yow's "courage, and such class, and such passion every day..."

Coach Yow spoke to the audience and her talk touched everyone in the room. She urged all the schools and coaches to participate in the "Hoops for Hope" and the "Think Pink" activities for the upcoming season. There weren't too many dry eyes in the room after Coach Yow finished talking.

Following the honors for the coaches, the second part of the program was for breast cancer awareness and research. Listening to the coaches (Harvard's Kathy Delaney-Smith, emcee; Toledo asst. coach Duffy Burns; Concord University head coach Kenny Osborne; and Prairie View A&M's Cynthia Cooper-Dyke) tell their stories describing how breast cancer impacted the lives of their loved ones and themselves was emotional and inspiring.

I've known Coop for years; but, I'm always impressed to see fans ask for Coop's autograph and take a picture with her. After the presentation, she was gracious today signing a few basketballs and posing for pictures. Then, she and I sat down and talked hoops.