If our teams were good, people would eventually take notice. As only the second woman ever inducted into the Springfield, Mass. She had a hunger. Established by the College of Liberal Arts and the Center for Women and Gender Studies, this fund is used primarily to support the "Inspire" program. I didnt have the big picture in mind. Flanked by about 20 family members including wife Sheila, his spouse of 39 years, Page waved at the appreciative crowd, his eyes glistening from the spotlight aimed at center court. UTA had driven to Arkansas in a pair of station wagons. Jody Conradt, right, celebrates her 800th win Jan. 22, 2003. It would take six years. Conradt had coaching stints at Sam Houston State and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas job. While gazing at the fans standing and cheering for him on Sunday, Rodney Page said he made the right choice to attend. Jody Conradt is the former University of Texas womens basketball coach (1976-2007) and womens athletics director (1992-2001). Lopianos other first-month lesson spoke to the almighty power of football at Texas. Especially at Texas, Conradt showcased her student-athletes, their speed and athleticism in a fast-breaking, run-and-shoot attack that lifted herteams to enormous popularity. Years later, Coach Conradt joined Dean Conradt has been the As only the second woman ever inducted into the Springfield, Mass., Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, Conradt is known as a pioneer, but also a durable, dynamic and ethical leader who gave credibility towomens collegiate basketballduring 31years as head coach with the Longhorns. #1 On Your Birthday When reality set in that the answer probably was yes, it triggered panic, chaos and years of legal challenges primarily from the NCAA, which had no authority over college womens sports, such as they were at the time. Her aspirations were to teach. I don't know of anyone who deserves this honor more.". She is currently a special assistant in the UT athletic department. Rice. Like most of its fellow larger in-state schools, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs. Seven-time APSE award winner; 2016 National Headliner Award; 2018 Celeste Williams Texas Sportswriter of the Year; 2021 NSMA Texas Sportswriter of the Year. The following season, we would travel to Knoxville to play in front of 24,563 fans, setting a Guinness World Record for women's basketball attendance. Once we settled in at our respective institutions in our respective shades of orange, I think we both realized the opportunity before us. Many of our female business, civic, educational and social leaders of today had some sort of formalized athletics experience. Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 1999. Two of this years Longhorn national titles were by womens teams, rowing and tennis. Grizzlies 113, Rockets 99: 2nd-half flurry extends Houston's skid, Texas A&M's SEC title hopes quashed by Alabama's win over Auburn. They are delightful young women, eager, ready to learn, ready to work. In the ensuing days, it became clear to Conradt that UTs administration wanted her to take the AD job, but they werent very optimistic about me doing both.. On Sunday, Texas welcomed a fellow coach back to the fold. But that wasn't all she was. Conradts coaching passion and competitive instincts produced results. 8 ejected after UK-Florida scuffle at SEC tourney, Auriemma critical of 'selfish' Huskies after finale, New NCAA president readies for NIL, legal issues, S. Carolina stays No. Fortunately, she resided in a state that prides itself on passion, opportunity and can-do attitude. All of that has happened, I think, as a result of Title IX.. She was born on May 13, 1941 and her birthplace is Goldthwaite Texas. One of my fondest memories was when she came to Austin to speak at my statue ceremony in 2012. Page relied on Texas mens basketball coach Leon Black. Their mother was a young lady who came to the University on scholarship from Milwaukee, Wis., in fall 1994 but had unfortunately lost her battle with cancer just before Christmas last year. It's about the University of Texas doing the right thing and showing to the world how much they value the role of women's athletics," Conradt said. Your Account; Logout; Login; Create Account; Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. Well, not everyone was excited. I cant even remember what I earn those few years, but most of it was from being a physical education teacher, not a basketball coach, he said. If there were problems stemming from his skin color, Page declines to discuss the matter with many details. It was a pact we hoped would reverberate across the women's basketball landscape. Even then, I knew. Conradt to receive Giant Steps Award from National Consortium for Academics and Sports [Jan. 28, 2008] Idyllic though her upbringing had been in Goldthwaite, where her father, Charles, played semi-pro baseball and mother, Ann, played softball, Addie Jo was certain her life in organized sports ended with her 40-points-per-game high school career in six-player half-court basketball. ft. of basketball history. Prior to that he worked at The Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Light. It was also said that Swoopes asked Texas coach Jody Conradt for a transfer because she had been inappropriately approached sexually by a female Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! Royal told Lopiano to get a copy of the budget from his assistant. The first time I caught a glimpse of Pat Head's fiery competitive spirit wasn't at the scorer's table to shake hands after our two UT teams had battled against one another on the hardwood. Born: May 13, 1941. Armed with those traits, a graceful, compassionate style, Texas-sharp wit and humor, and a desire to bring education and sport opportunities to young women, Conradt emerged as a visionary leader for womens college basketball and womens sports administration. The Basketball Hall of Fame makes no representation concerning, and is not responsible for the quality, content, accessibility, nature or reliability of any hyperlinked site. That is Title IX impact, alive, well and continuing. We were happy to come away with a victory, but more importantly, I remember marveling at how hard their marketing department had worked to pull off such an amazing feat and how excited we were to be a part of history. And she was most definitely all of those things. UT-Arlington teams competed regionally under AIAW governance, which meant frequent matchups against Gunters powerful Stephen F. Austin basketball squads. Fortunately, she is native to a state which takes pride in its passion, independence and can-do attitude. She saw a chance to wake up a "sleeping giant" in the early days of Title IX, the 1972 federal law that bans sex discrimination in educational programs -- including sports. They took cars and vans to road games. No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Its fun to watch.. 2023 www.statesman.com. Always improving. Crowds exceeded 8,000 fans per game average in the late 1980s. Page described Thompson as a very special human being., In Betty Thompsons eyes, I saw acceptance and belief, he continued. Ultimately she agreed to be the athletic director, but only if she was allowed to keep coach. So from 1992 to 2001, she did both jobs. This was not the case for many women prior to 1972. It all started with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, Page said last week from his home in North Austin. Indeed, it was aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices at federally funded programs, particularly in universities. University Development Office All rights reserved. He flashed the Hook em Horns sign. Victimhood is not in my DNA. Speak with her former student-athletes, and they agree on Conradts life lessons: hold integrity and team goals above all, work on self-discipline and organization, embrace diversity and tolerance, commit to honest and effective communication, maintain presence and exhibit class. WebATLANTA (March 10, 2021) Legendary hall of famer Jody Conradt is the recipient of the 2021 Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her lifelong We knew there would be many things we could not control. Her love was basketball. For us, coaching was always bigger than basketball. The Tower Amendment not only failed, but ultimately led to specific guidelines for the sports component of Title IX, that scholarship and participation numbers for mens and womens sports must reflect the student body percentages at each school. With their quotes out of the NFL combine, DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio are acknowledging real change is planned in 2023. the 50th anniversary of the civil rights law that changed her life and those of millions of other American women. Jody Conradt; Former Texas standout and WNBA player Jackson dies at 37. You can see it. I think we all did. She reminded me: "It's for our game." Tower had input in drafting his amendment from President Gerald Ford, an ex-Michigan football star. When in 1976, at age 35, she finally climbed from coaching basketball, softball and volleyball at UT-Arlington to coaching basketball and volleyball at Texas, the Fort Worth Star-Telegrams headline trumpeted: Woman Earns Man-Size Salary: $17,000.. She loved competing. With all the things I teach and share with young people regarding forgiveness and overcoming a mindset I had to say yes.. Classroom doors were closed to women, women of color and men of color at that time, particularly in areas of science, engineering, law, medicine and math. More than two dozen of Conradts former players have gone on to play professionally. Its consequence is reflected in her lifes arc: From Addie Jo to non-scholarship Baylor star to masters degree to $12,000-a-year college P.E. And if our two good teams played one another, more people would pay attention. A drive. She was a woman who cared deeply about family and the young women she mentored and coached. WebJody Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the small West Texas town of Goldthwaite. The laws contentious path to acceptance and understanding nationally largely mirrors what happened at Texas, but UT today stands as a shining example of Title IX. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Two years after relinquishing the AD role, Conradt coached Texas to the 2003 Final Four. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Tough, demanding and relentless. She received a phone call from an attorney representing the AIAW, which was fighting the first major resistance to Title IX: The Tower Amendment, introduced in the U.S. Senate in 1974 by Texas Sen. John Tower, seeking to exempt revenue-producing sports from Title IX. Jody Conradt Project for Women's Health and Wellness Research Jody Conradt, after her 900th coaching victory, has seen the impact of Title IX grow and continue. (512) 475-7085 Later, North Carolina's Dean Smith and his Tar Heels' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style on the hardwood. Since her retirement from coaching following the 2006-07 season, shehascontinuedto serve the University as a special assistantinTexas Athletics. During her illustrious career, Conradt has coached countless players who have been Olympians, earned All-America honors, and National Player of the Year acclaim. For more information on how to contribute to Conradt's legacy, please contact: He coached the womens basketball team in the pre-Jody Conradt Era 1973 to 1976 at fabled Gregory Gym. Self-Morgan, who has coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high school state championships, does not recall Page complaining about racial discrimination. As fate would have it the following spring, Pat would stand on a ladder to cut down the nets in the Frank Erwin Center in Austin as her team became the NCAA champs, the first of eight titles in her 38-year career. Forty years have passed since Page coached at Texas. She retired from coaching in 2007, but remains active as special assistant in administration to Chris Del Conte, who in 2017, his first year as athletic director, combined the mens and womens programs as one department, making Texas the last NCAA Division I school to do so. 2023 The University of Texas at Austin Athletics, J. Dan Brown Family Player Development Center, Conradt among National Sportsmanship Day 20th Anniversary honorees, Conradt honored with Joe Lapchick Character Award, Conradt honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by NACWAA, Conradt to co-chair WBCA ethics committee, Conradt to be honored with TAHPERD Pathfinder Award, Conradt selected as 2008 Naismith Outstanding Contributors to Basketball award winners, Conradt to receive Giant Steps Award from National Consortium for Academics and Sports, Sam Houston State University: 74-23 (1969-73), The University of Texas at Arlington: 43-39 (1973-76), The University of Texas at Austin: 783-245 (1976-2007), The University of Texas at Austin: 62-38-7 (1976-77), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1998), National Coach of the Year (1979-80, 1985-86, 1996-97, 2003-04), Carol Eckmann Award for contributions to women's basketball, Women's Basketball Coaches Association (1987), The University of Texas-Arlington Athletics Hall of Honor (1987), The University of Texas Women's Athletics Hall of Honor (2000 inaugural class), International Women's Sports Hall of Fame, Women's Sports Foundation, New York (1995), Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Waco, Texas (1998), Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Knoxville, Tenn. (1999 inaugural class), International Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame, Kingston, R.I. (2003), 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America, Institute for International Sport, Kingston, R.I. (2007), Giant Steps Award, National Consortium for Academics and Sports, Orlando, Fla. (2007), Outstanding Contributor to Basketball, Atlanta Tipoff Club (2008), Sam Houston State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2010), Texas Women's Hall of Fame, Dallas (1986), Baylor University Distinguished Alumnus (1989), Field Scovell Award, Dallas All-Sports Association (2003), Harvey Penick Award for Excellence in the Game of Life, Caritas of Austin (2003), CASEY Award, Kansas City Sports Association (2004), Woman of Distinction Award, Central Texas Girl Scouts (2005), Neighborhood Longhorns Linking Community With Education Award, Austin (2006), Most Worthy Citizen Award, Austin Board of Realtors (2007), Bridges Award, The Movement Organization, Austin (2007), Commencement Speaker, UT Graduation (2008), Legends Honoree, Dallas Texas Exes Chapter Texas-OU Weekend (2008), Distinguished speaker series, internships, Health and wellness research at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. He said Black was a good friend who provided the women with basic athletic supplies. Forty years after Title IX became law, Granburys Leta Andrews continues to fight for equity in girls sports, Texas talent: Meet some of the most influential and pioneering female athletes in history, As Title IX turns 50, University of Texas exes reflected on common bond of championships, How pro path for female athletes has changed since Title IX, and where it needs to improve, 50 years of Title IX: Meet the next generation of star female athletes from D-FW, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy addresses philosophical differences between him, Kellen Moore, Ray Davis optimistic, anxious about Rangers season amidst tumultuous TV situation, Cowboys Mike McCarthy has more power, fewer excuses. She was willing to give an opportunity to a young man of color. Doors will open at 8:00 AM. Thats how it was in those days, Conradt says. She is currently a special assistant She was 45 years old. At the end of the day, the counselors would play pickup, and I can remember being impressed with the wiry, hard-nosed guard with the thick Tennessee drawl. A box lunch for attendee is included in the registration cost. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Conradt is known as a pioneer, but also a durable, dynamic and ethical leader who gave credibility to her sport during 31 years as head coach with the Longhorns. WebAddie Jo "Jody" Conradt [1] is a retired women's basketball coach. I realized that was a way for me to teach and be a part of sports, as opposed to being in a classroom, she says. "Jody and I go way back. Grizzlies 113, Rockets 99: 2nd-half flurry extends Houston's skid, Texas A&M's SEC title hopes quashed by Alabama's win over Auburn. When Texas developed its womens basketball team, the Longhorns were already several steps behind the states established programs Wayland Baptist, Stephen F. Austin, Baylor, Rice, Temple Junior College. Texas president Bill Powers called Conradt a "truly historic" figure. AUSTIN - Jody Conradt, the Hall of Fame women's basketball coach who won 900 games in her 38-year career, will be honored by Texas with a statue in her That's the percentage of her players who graduated," Powers said. We were leading teams at dominant football schools. It will be on permanent display in the Frank Erwin Center by the Longhorns' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30. Forty years after coaching his final game at Texas, he was honored with a standing ovation during a home game against West Virginia at the Erwin Center. The university was a different place back then and Im a better man than I was 44 years ago, he said. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame Museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." At games end, Conradt had to ask Gunter for $200 cash and Stephen F. Austins hotel reservations. The Conradt statue weighs 600 pounds and depicts her flashing the well-known "Hook'em Horns" hand signal. Later, North Carolinas Dean Smith and his Tar Heels run-and-jump full-court press inspired her eventual coaching style. A UT coach for three years two as a member of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women there were no athletic scholarships for his players when he took the job. WebJody Conradt Conradts coaching passion and competitive instincts produced results. Conradt had a 900-307 career record as a coach. Conradt will be just the second female public figure to have a statue dedicated on the Texas campus, joining civil rights champion and former U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan. Conradt was already known as a successful basketball and volleyball coach at Sam Houston State. She was one of the very earliest supporters (of Texas Womens Athletics), said Chris Plonsky, chief of staff for Texas Athletics. She saw the good in me, the best in me. 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