900th Win for UNC Women’s Basketball Coach
07 Feb, 2013
University of North Carolina Women’s Basketball Coach Sylvia Hatchell became the third women’s coach in NCAA history to join the 900-win club on Thursday night. She reached the milestone when No. 16 North Carolina beat Boston College 80-52. As the players dribbled out the final seconds, Hatchell finally let a smile come over her face and accepted the congratulations from her assistant coaches and even one of the referees.
“We haven’t even talked about it the last few days. They really were very focused tonight,” said Hatchell, who missed her first chance at the milestone on Sunday when the Tar Heels lost to No. 5 Duke. “It’s nice to get that win.”
Xylina McDaniel had 15 points and seven rebounds for North Carolina (21-3, 9-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). Tierra Ruffin-Pratt scored 14 with six rebounds and six assists, and Krista Gross had 12 points and eight rebounds.
“It’s a great honor to be a part of this. All of the people before us helped us be here for this 900th win,” Gross said. “To learn from such a great coach is a great honor.”
Hatchell joins Pat Summitt, who had 1,095 wins, and Jody Conradt in the women’s 900-win club, and with her next victory will pass Conradt and move into second place all-time. Hatchell is tops among active coaches, with Rutgers’ C. Vivian Stringer, a good friend, two wins behind.
Only three men’s coaches have reached the 900-win mark – Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim and Bob Knight.
“Sylvia has been one of the great ambassadors of the women’s game, and it is so pleasing to see her reach the 900-win milestone in her career,” Summit said in a statement released after the victory. “I wish her all the best as she continues to build on her truly amazing career!”
AP
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