On Buzzlearn.com, Jody is listed as a During her illustrious career, Conradt has coached countless players who have been Olympians, earned All-America honors, and National Player of the Year acclaim. 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. 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. Donna comes to my house on a Sunday morning and says, out of the blue, Im gonna take this job at the Womens Sports Foundation. She says it was stressful time, but the lawsuit that forced the addition of three sports proved necessary. Lopiano bet him an expensive bottle of wine that it would happen within three years. They saw her photo on the wall of heralded players. For more information on how to contribute to Conradt's legacy, please contact: Well, not everyone was excited. My initial salary at Texas made headlines in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Lopianos other first-month lesson spoke to the almighty power of football at Texas. Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, scores and more. Today, Lopiano is president and founder of Sports Management Resources, helping schools assess whether they are Title IX-compliant and testifying in court against schools that violate Title IX. It will be on permanent display in the Frank Erwin Center by the Longhorns' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30. 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. In 1971, womens college sports administrators founded the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women for governance and to, starting in 1972-73, conduct national championships in eight sports. All Ive ever known was to rise up and move forward, no matter what the challenge may be, no matter the difficulty or pain.. While all attempts are made to ensure the correctness and suitability of information under our control and to correct any errors brought to our attention, no representation or guarantee can be made as to the accessibility, correctness or suitability of information provided by any hyperlinked site or any other linked information accessed through the Basketball Hall of Fame website but not under its control. Our conversations about the women's game started years before our teams faced one another. AUSTIN Addie Jo Conradt and her Goldthwaite High basketball teammates didnt realize how good they had it, relatively. She had a hunger. As we sat there on that beautiful day in the fall, I remember thinking how fitting it was that we were sitting in a setting much like the one from 30 years before, talking about the game we loved, how much it had grown, and how fortunate we were to be a part of something special. We were leading teams at dominant football schools. My interest and my passion was to provide opportunities for young women, so that they would have the same kind of experience I had, she says. When a young person remains in touch with you long after their last season of eligibility or graduation, that is the most meaningful measurable result. Armed with those traits, a graceful, compassionate style, Texas-sharp wit and In the mid-70s, when Coach Jody Conradt was building a winning women's basketball program at Texas, she spent $5 on a magazine that explained North Carolina coach Dean Smith's run-and-jump defense. They often stayed with families, dining with people they didnt know. Texas womens varsity athletics began in the mid-1970s with 90 athletes competing in eight sports. From 1990 to 2000, we (Texas) lost every single game in the series. UTA somehow won. Conradt was already known as a successful basketball and volleyball coach at Sam Houston State. Royal told Lopiano to get a copy of the budget from his assistant. College athletics and college educations change their lives for the positive, allowing them to achieve careers and abilities to raise their families long after playing days end. Being a teacher or, if I went to Brownwood, I might see a nurse.. 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. When he came to Texas in 1996, the upper Midwesttransplant wouldn't have imagined heading a program that would give him four state championships. In her brazen navet, Lopiano hadnt connected the dots or realized the ramification of going to Capitol Hill. Reluctant to accept the invitation, Page had to be convinced by wife Sheila to attend. 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. Director of Development, Strategic Initiatives Jody Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the small West Texas town of Goldthwaite. With a full-out style that was unprecedented and unmatched during its time, Conradt led the 1985-86 Longhorns to a 34-0 record and national championship, the NCAA's first perfect season in the sport. Even then, I knew. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. At 22, Pat had a focus, an intensity that most people couldn't comprehend. Providing financial support to student-athletes pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees after their eligibility has expired, this fund exists to assist those who are determined to succeed academically. He flashed the Hook em Horns sign. Conradt coached Texas from 1976 to 2007, and finished with a career record of 900-307. She is currently a special assistant in the UT athletic department. Jody Conradt came to the University of Texas just a couple of years after [Title IX], said former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a taped statement. Page said he was surprised when Lopiano fired him after the 21-7 season. 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. She meant a lot to me as a mentor and a source of comfort.. Lopiano deduced that it was Stephen F. Austins Sue Gunter or UT-Arlingtons Conradt. The next season, on Dec. 14, 1986, we'd lose to the Lady Vols 85-78 in Austin. Long before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to buy new uniforms. 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. Page lived in a one-bedroom off-campus apartment and walked to work. The University of Texas will honor former women's coach Jody Conradt with a 7-foot bronze statue inside the Longhorns' basketball arena. the 50th anniversary of the civil rights law that changed her life and those of millions of other American women. She is currently a special assistant Former Texas coach Conradt to receive statue. 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. Self-Morgan, who has coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high school state championships, does not recall Page complaining about racial discrimination. Conradts coaching passion and competitive instincts produced results. At 67, Page reflects on a period that challenged him in so many ways. If approved, it would be the largest scholarship for Texas Womens Athletics in history, said Jody Conradt, a retired UT womens basketball coach, in a letter of support for the proposal. She saw the good in me, the best in me. Fortunately she is native to a state which takes pride in its passion, independence and can-do attitude. We also recognized our many connections. I don't know of anyone who deserves this honor more.". Her first college head coaching job was overseeing basketball and volleyball at Sam Houston State from 1969 to 1973. Speak with her former student-athletes, and they agree on Conradt's life lessons: integrity and team goals above all, practice self-discipline and be organized, embrace diversity and tolerance, commit to honest and effective communication, maintain presence and exhibit class. 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. StubHub Buy or Sell Tickets. WebSome people have speculated that you were pushed, even though youve said it was your decision. With all the things I teach and share with young people regarding forgiveness and overcoming a mindset I had to say yes.. Having common goals. In 38 years as a collegiate head coach, Conradt's student-athletes won 900 games and, more important, nearly every one of them graduated. Fortunately, she resided in a state that prides itself on passion, opportunity and can-do attitude. Texas officials said Friday the statue will be dedicated in a private ceremony on Oct. 5. Women can be whatever they want to be at this point in time and not feel like they are in a minority - and not feel like they are a visitor in the area of their pursuit. University Development Office More important, 99 percent of her players graduated. She didnt even know the school had what was called an extramural womens basketball team until she wandered into Rena Marrs McLean gym, heard the thump of a basketball and was invited to join in. She was always the consummate student. Perhaps nowhere was that concern more heightened than at Texas, which had won national football championships in 1963, 1969 and 1970 under coach Darrell Royal, who since 1962 had doubled as the schools athletic director. He could not remember the last time hes seen a Texas basketball game. All seating is General Admission. Texas A&M women win SEC tournament opener vs. Vanderbilt, Houston Cougars basketball preview: Home finale vs. Wichita State, Yainer Diaz becomes first Astros hitter to violate new MLB rules. Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! With only enough cash for gas and a meal for the trip home, Conradt had her team check out of its hotel. We played in the now-defunct Southwest Conference, Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference. in physical education), Conradt first was a high school teacher and assistant girls basketball coach under legendary Waco Midway school administrator M.T. Women's Power Rankings: Pac-12 teams, Maryland show their teeth, SCNext Top 25: Ranking the best high school girls' basketball teams in the 2022-23 season, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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 Jody Conradt; Former Texas standout and WNBA player Jackson dies at 37. (512) 475-7085 Page, sporting an impressive Afro in the early 70s, arrived at Texas after earning bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Houston. After two seasons shed stopped coaching volleyball, with basketball well en route to powerhouse status, although Conradt says she never envisioned the scope of what was to come: womens basketball often outdrawing the men in the Erwin Center, with Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards as courtside regulars. This was not the case for many women prior to 1972. He has two daughters in college. Oops. Angela Jackson was a four-year starter eventual all-conference player for us and graduated in 1998 with a journalism degree. Conradt honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by NACWAA [June 4, 2010] There was a connection, a camaraderie, a feeling that we were all in this together and weve got to make do. #1 On Your Birthday Column: Isnt it time we heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart? Her love was basketball. Conradt's classroom eventually became a multipurpose arena at her beloved University of Texas, after serving as women's basketball coach at Sam Houston State (1969-73) and coach/women's athletics director at UT-Arlington (1973-76). If Conradt had the edge due to her up-tempo offense, full-court defense, attention to detail and foothold in the UT system which enabled her to meet Chancellor Charles LeMaistre so be it. So far back that we have been called pioneers," Summitt said. As only the second woman ever inducted into the Springfield, Mass. She coached the Longhorns from 1976-2007 and was the Texas women's athletic director from 1992-2001. Former Texas coach Jody Conradt led the Longhorns to the 1986 NCAA title and a perfect 34-0 season. 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. 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. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, Jody Conradt, University of Texas embody the shaping, struggles and success of Title IX, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach. 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. Two of this years Longhorn national titles were by womens teams, rowing and tennis. Forty years have passed since Page coached at Texas. It eventually became bigger than both of our respective UTs. 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. ft. of basketball history. It would take six years. During a Texas Exes meet and greet at Barton Creek Country Club, Lopiano was approached by UT Regent Ed Clark, who bluntly wondered how long it would take for a Longhorn womens team to win a national title. Conradt received her B.S. Her love was basketball. He considers it an honor to be the universitys first black head coach, but the journey was not always easy. UT-Arlington teams competed regionally under AIAW governance, which meant frequent matchups against Gunters powerful Stephen F. Austin basketball squads. Jody Conradt was the Texas women's basketball coach from 1976-2007 and is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Title IX was not written with sports in mind and makes no mention of them. When you grew up in a small town, you only saw women doing one of two things, Conradt says. Title IX changed all of that and also created advancement and access opportunities for talented, motivated and elite female student-athletes to derive the same benefits as their male counterparts from quality coaching, demanding training, teamwork, competition and a college education. Texas, perhaps more than any university in the country, has grappled with, shaped and ultimately led the implementing of Title IX. AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas will honor former women's coach Jody Conradt with a 7-foot bronze statue inside the Longhorns' basketball arena. As individuals, we gauge our success by the depth of ongoing, sustained relationships with the student-athletes. This year, Texas won a school-record-tying four national championships and attained a school-record six national runner-up finishes. At games end, Conradt had to ask Gunter for $200 cash and Stephen F. Austins hotel reservations. Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level. Conradt honored with Joe Lapchick Character Award [Nov. 18, 2010] A game that would afford us opportunities that country girls like us could only dream about. The Hall of Fame has more than 400 inductees and 40,000 sq. 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 And I think you should be athletic director because, if you dont take the role, theyre likely to combine the departments and well lose everything weve built. , Problem was, Conradt wanted to keep coaching. 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