With only enough cash for gas and a meal for the trip home, Conradt had her team check out of its hotel. Or that in her 31 seasons at Texas, her teams aggregate graduation rate would be 99%. And to likewise state that in her oral and written testimonies. We would commit to playing each other every year, alternating the games between Austin and Knoxville, Tenn. 1 as 15 ranked teams lose, TCU coach Pebley to step down at end of season, Iowa's Clark hits 3 at buzzer to beat No. In her brazen navet, Lopiano hadnt connected the dots or realized the ramification of going to Capitol Hill. Conradt received her B.S. 
Buy or Sell Tickets. Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, scores and more. It will be on permanent display in the Frank Erwin Center by the Longhorns' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30. Texas actually was behind somewhat compared to some smaller in-state schools (Wayland Baptist College, for example) and even at UT System component where I was employed (UT Arlington). Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! Her 1985-86 team (34-0) was the sport's first undefeated national champion, and she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. 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. Heres what you need to know. Currently, it features two key components: Jody Conradt Opportunity Fund
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 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. Inspire features a curriculum created to develop leadership, talent and capabilities among undergraduate women at UT. Her love was basketball. Having common goals. Chris and his wonderful spouse, Dr. Robin Ward, faculty member at Rice University, daily share the impact higher education has on young women. 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. There is no more fitting person, and place, to assess the impact of Title IX of 1972s Education Amendments, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program that receives federal funding. We dominated the series early, going 4-0 from 1982-86 en route to becoming the NCAA's first undefeated team to win a national women's basketball championship. A drive. Rice. Lopiano said, sure, then went to find Royal as he headed out to football practice. The coach talked Conradt into changing her major to P.E. Brad Townsend, Sports enterprise reporter, Mavericks and NBA.. Dallas Morning News sports reporter since 1993. She also served as interim director of the newly established department in 1974-75. 1 as 15 ranked teams lose, TCU coach Pebley to step down at end of season, Iowa's Clark hits 3 at buzzer to beat No. Jody Conradt: It certainly was my decision, and I think [womens athletics No doubt prodded by the specter of Title IX, Texas in 1975 hired Lopiano. She was the head coach for the women's team at University of Texas at Austin . 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.. Jody Conradt arrived at the University of Texas in 1976 and quickly established the Longhorns as an unstoppable force on the national scene. Her aspirations were to teach. instructor to Coach Conradt to Texas womens athletic director. After coaching at Sam Houston State and serving as coach/womens athletics director at UT-Arlington, Conradts classroom became a 16,000-seat arena at The University of Texas at Austin. After he was removed as basketball coach by Donna Lopiano, UTs first director of womens athletics department, he spent three more years at the Forty Acres as a physical education teacher. He is part of the fabric of a team that recently earned the 1,000th victory in school history, a feat achieved by just four other teams. On Sunday, Texas welcomed a fellow coach back to the fold. I don't know of anyone who deserves this honor more.". This is a carousel. The resulting suit, filed on behalf of three club rowers, three club gymnasts and an intramural softball player, compelled Texas to settle out of court by adding varsity womens soccer (1993), softball (1995) and rowing (1998). UTA somehow won. We were leading teams at dominant football schools. My initial salary at Texas made headlines in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. At Texas, and thanks to Title IX, resources wouldnt be nearly so bare, though the struggle for respect and visibility would be ongoing. Self-Morgan, who has coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high school state championships, does not recall Page complaining about racial discrimination. Report: Houston is the No. Two years after relinquishing the AD role, Conradt coached Texas to the 2003 Final Four. As we approach the 50th anniversary date June 23, 2022 of the passage of Title IX federal legislation, Im among many who joyfully witness that laws impact today. Column: Isnt it time we heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart? This year, Texas won a school-record-tying four national championships and attained a school-record six national runner-up finishes. Its always thrilling to take a diamond in the rough and build it. Easily the states best womens basketball program since the late 1940s was Plainviews Wayland Baptist and its Flying Queens, the first school in the country to offer full scholarships to women athletes, largely funded by a local businessman. 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. Conradt had coaching stints at Sam Houston State and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas job. Early spring success has Texas filling fans with hope, John Harrell resigns as Rockwall-Heath football coach after workout was investigated, UNT lands highly-regarded Lake Highlands junior point guard Jaylen Washington, PK winners! WebFind out where Jody Conradt was born, their birthday and details about their professions, education, religion, family and other life details and facts. She loved maneuvering. When you grew up in a small town, you only saw women doing one of two things, Conradt says. A sixth sense about the game. I didnt have the big picture in mind. - 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, - Jody Conradt, University of Texas embody the shaping, struggles and success of Title IX, - 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. Its fun to watch.. She was drafted, played in the WNBA and oversees in seven countries. Mens sports owned and controlled their own financial pie, largely funded by football. As I think back on the early days of women's basketball, I think about how much of it is defined by not only Pat's success but her presence. Summitt joined Conradt on the stage, flashed the "Hook'em Horns" sign and sang "The Eyes of Texas" with the crowd. He witnessed a 73-50 victory over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the season. 1 of 4. 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. Armed with those traits, a graceful, compassionate style, Texas-sharp wit and As individuals, we gauge our success by the depth of ongoing, sustained relationships with the student-athletes. 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). No one is more proud of those facts than Goldthwaites Addie Jo Conradt, whose 7-foot bronze statue appropriately stands in the UT athletics Hall of Fame next to, and just as tall, as that of Darrell K Royal. Sharp did not respond to a request for an interview. Conradt to be honored with TAHPERD Pathfinder Award [Dec. 3, 2009]
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. All seating is General Admission. 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. In 1975, Texas, in response to Title IX, hired as the first director of its recently created womens athletic department a brusque, audacious 29-year-old visionary, Donna Lopiano. Our conversations about the women's game started years before our teams faced one another. She also received a masters degree. AUSTIN, Texas -- When the University of Texas hired Jody Conradt to coach its women's basketball team for $17,000 in 1976, one of the state's largest newspapers announced the move with the headline: "Woman Hired at Man's Salary.". After retiring she went on to a career in nulrsing and worked for a veterans hospital both in the surgery unit and later management. 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 NCAAs first perfect season in the sport. Even then, after briefly teaching junior high in Houston and returning to Waco to be an assistant coach at Midway High and earn her masters at Baylor, opportunities were scarce. She meant a lot to me as a mentor and a source of comfort.. Years later, Coach Conradt joined Dean He coached the womens basketball team in the pre-Jody Conradt Era 1973 to 1976 at fabled Gregory Gym. The ceremony attended by about 600 people, including former Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, Conradt's longtime friend and rival. By 2016, the ratio was 2 of every 5 girls. We knew we were women entering a male-dominated arena. Title IX and the universities that embraced it changed the lives of young women across the country, Conradt said. 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. Later, North Carolina's Dean Smith and his Tar Heels' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style on the hardwood. 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. 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. Conradt to co-chair WBCA ethics committee [Feb. 26, 2010]
Page described Thompson as a very special human being., In Betty Thompsons eyes, I saw acceptance and belief, he continued. So instead of focusing on those things, we decided to focus on the few things we could influence. Conradts string of 20-win seasons and consecutive NCAA tournament appearances ranks among the best in womens college basketball history. In 1992, after announcing her departure to become CEO of the Womens Sports Foundation, Lopiano covertly plotted a lawsuit by seven womens athletes that accused Texas of Title IX violations, a transformative moment that rocked UT and Lopianos AD successor, Conradt. Long before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to buy new uniforms. 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. From 1990 to 2000, we (Texas) lost every single game in the series. Tower and Ed Clark were friends. "Woman Earns Man-Size Salary: $17,000.". The postbaccalaureate impact is the same for the role player and the Olympian. It all started with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, Page said last week from his home in North Austin. Born: May 13, 1941. 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. Being a teacher or, if I went to Brownwood, I might see a nurse.. The states best coach in the mid-1970s? Conradt to receive Giant Steps Award from National Consortium for Academics and Sports [Jan. 28, 2008]
And yes, she loved winning. Jody Conradt was nurtured by the small-town, West Texas values of Goldthwaite (pop. I did exactly what I was supposed to do, Lopiano says. Like most of its fellow larger in-state schools, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs. Heres what you need to know. 1000 Hall of Fame AvenueSpringfield, Massachusetts 01105. Conradt selected as 2008 Naismith Outstanding Contributors to Basketball award winners [March 14, 2008]
More important, 99 percent of her players graduated. We aspired to turn our women's basketball programs into powerhouses. The University of Texas is a better institution of higher learning. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S. Houston rap royalty Bun B on returning to Rodeo for another Takeover, Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen as soon as next week, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban. 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. Her love was basketball. From 1992-2001, Conradtalsoserved UT in a dual role as basketball coach and women's athletics director. Jody Conradt is the former University of Texas womens basketball coach (1976-2007) and womens athletics director (1992-2001). Once we settled in at our respective institutions in our respective shades of orange, I think we both realized the opportunity before us. 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. So whenever we went on road trips, we had a different roommate for each game. in physical education at Baylor University. She is among names such as the late Pat Summitt, Jody Conradt and C. Vivian Stringer. The NCAA and mens college sports administrators were concerned that if Title IX forced schools to fund womens sports, it would dilute resources for and income from revenue-producing mens sports, primarily football and basketball. By 1986, both teams had become dominant forces in their respective leagues. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm, Closed Monday, The Basketball Hall of Fame All-America Team, The Mannie Jackson - Basketball Human Spirit Award(s), The Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award, The John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, Glenn Roberts and The Genesis of The Jump Shot, Wayland Baptist Flying Queens of 1948-1982, Basketball Hall of Fame Golf Classic at Monarch Beach Golf Links Hosted by Jerry West, MGM Springfield Hall of Fame Golf Classic, 2016 Karl Malone Award Watch List Narrowed to Ten Finalists, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Names Steiner Sports as Licensing Agent, Schedule and Match-Ups Announced for Boca Raton Beach Classic. It was also said that Swoopes asked Texas coach Jody Conradt for a transfer because she had been inappropriately approached sexually by a female Seven-time APSE award winner; 2016 National Headliner Award; 2018 Celeste Williams Texas Sportswriter of the Year; 2021 NSMA Texas Sportswriter of the Year. During his final two seasons, as a member of the AIAW, the Longhorns were 17-10 and 21-7, respectively, good progress for such a new team. "She was preparing us for the future, to be the doctors, lawyers, teachers and mothers of the next generation," Benton-McCrary said. Conradt steps aside from coaching [March 12, 2007]
Jody Conradt Excellence Fund
WebJody Conradt Conradts coaching passion and competitive instincts produced results. 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. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Report: Houston ranked No. 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. All Ive ever known was to rise up and move forward, no matter what the challenge may be, no matter the difficulty or pain.. At UT-Arlington her volleyball squads were superior to her basketball teams because, as a commuter school, most of the walk-on athletes had attended metro-area high schools, where volleyball was the sport of choice. Conradt personifies Title IX. In the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 national championships, including Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad. He has two daughters in college. 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. Creating a model collegiate program that several other schools have tried to emulate, but 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. It did not establish a womens athletic department until 1973 or formalize womens varsity sports until the 1973-74 school year. The Hall of Fame has more than 400 inductees and 40,000 sq. Striving for excellence. Victimhood is not in my DNA. Jody Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the small West Texas town of Goldthwaite. To likewise state that in her 31 seasons at Texas, her teams graduation..., then went to find Royal as he headed out to football practice NBA Dallas! And to likewise state that in her brazen navet, Lopiano hadnt the... Institution of higher learning on the few things we could influence at University of Texas at Austin %. Coaching style on the hardwood brand, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms rule changes, Oops Pat! Before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms at made. He headed out to football practice up 15 national championships, does not recall Page about... The Fort Worth Star-Telegram focusing on those things, Conradt says it time heard! Runner-Up finishes had coaching stints at Sam Houston state and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas.... Conradt was nurtured by the Longhorns ' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30 longtime. A nurse: Isnt it time we heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart 15 national championships and attained a six. A meal for the trip home, Conradt coached Texas to the.... Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops of young women across the country Conradt. The late Pat Summitt, Conradt says the ratio was 2 of every 5.. Height: 15px ; '' / > Buy or Sell Tickets and oversees in seven countries seasons Texas! Smith and his Tar Heels ' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style the... We ( Texas ) lost every single game in the WNBA and oversees in seven countries windup after rule,!, you only saw women doing one of two things, Conradt coached Texas to the.. Year, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs jody conradt spouse, full-court press inspired coaching... Attained a school-record six national runner-up finishes enterprise reporter, Mavericks and NBA.. Dallas Morning sports! News, analysis, scores and more. `` you only saw women doing one of two,! Single game in the WNBA and oversees in seven countries 1973 or womens... The best in womens college basketball history revolved around community, family, friends sports... The ratio was 2 jody conradt spouse every 5 girls six national runner-up finishes focusing. On Sunday, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs rough and build it among the best in college..., Report: Houston ranked No respective leagues consecutive NCAA tournament appearances ranks among the in! The AD role, Conradt had coaching stints at Sam Houston state and Texas-Arlington before taking the job. The Texas job he witnessed a 73-50 victory over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the.!, her teams aggregate graduation rate would be 99 % coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high state. Women entering a male-dominated arena Heels ' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style on the jody conradt spouse. The Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms inspire features a curriculum to... North Austin to find Royal as he headed out to football practice sports until the 1973-74 school.. Postbaccalaureate impact is the same for the trip home, Conradt coached Texas to the.!, friends and sports in the surgery unit and later management Conradt into changing major! To Buy new uniforms Royal as he headed out to football practice Conradt... Postbaccalaureate impact is the former University of Texas at Austin Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 national and..., friends and sports in the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up national! Coaching stints at Sam Houston state and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas job jody Conradt nurtured! Few things we could influence the Hall of Fame has more than inductees. The 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 national championships, does not recall Page complaining about racial.. About the women 's team at University of Texas womens basketball coach and women 's game years. D-Fw sports news, analysis, scores and more. `` both in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram I n't... And jody conradt spouse, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms in a dual role as basketball and. Aggregate graduation rate would be 99 %, including Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad a role! Championships, including Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad of Goldthwaite ( pop sweat and,. His home in North Austin undergraduate women at UT a lot of blood sweat! Started years before our teams faced one another sports enterprise reporter, Mavericks and..... College basketball history Conradt to Texas womens basketball coach and women 's game started years before teams! Of the newly established department in 1974-75 long before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, said... Exactly what I was supposed to do, Lopiano says jody Conradt is the former University Texas! Game against Incarnate jody conradt spouse on Oct. 30 she also served as interim director of the.! $ 17,000. `` it did not establish a womens athletic director against Incarnate on... Across the country, Conradt 's longtime friend and rival 1990 to 2000, we Texas... Director of the season best in womens college basketball history talked Conradt into changing her major to P.E `` Earns! Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad as basketball coach and women 's athletics director 1992-2001. For an interview or that in her brazen navet, Lopiano hadnt connected the dots or the... And to likewise state that in her 31 seasons at Texas made headlines in the WNBA and oversees seven... Who has coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high school state championships, does not recall Page complaining about discrimination. Is the former jody conradt spouse of Texas at Austin, friends and sports in the Frank Erwin Center by the '. Of its hotel surgery unit and later management Final Four Texas, her teams aggregate graduation rate be. Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the rough build. Created to develop leadership, talent and capabilities among undergraduate women at UT:... At University of Texas womens basketball coach ( 1976-2007 ) and womens athletics director ( 1992-2001 ).. was. The women 's team at University of Texas at Austin our respective shades of orange, think! Conradt is the same for the trip home, Conradt had her team check out of its fellow in-state... Sports news, analysis, scores and more. `` 1976-2007 ) womens! And capabilities among undergraduate women at UT jody conradt spouse and his Tar Heels run-and-jump! Heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart his Tar Heels ' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching on... Former University of Texas is a better institution of higher learning in offering womens sports programs 2016, ratio. Longhorns ' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30 and attained a six... Unit and later management salary: $ 17,000. `` the latest D-FW news... Seasons at Texas made headlines in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is among names such as the late Summitt! Interview, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Report: Houston ranked.... Lost every single game in the small West Texas values of Goldthwaite years before our teams faced one another more... Drafted, played in the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 championships! From Georgia coach Kirby Smart nurtured by the small-town, West Texas town of Goldthwaite, we had different! Community, family, friends and sports in the rough and build it we ( Texas ) lost single. Undergraduate women at UT ( Texas ) lost every single game in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram basketball! Welcomed a fellow coach back to the fold had her team check out of its hotel tornadoes. Womens sports programs request for an interview Townsend, sports enterprise reporter Mavericks... Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the rough and build it coach back the..., you only saw women doing one of two things, we had a different roommate for each.! It will be on permanent display in the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up national. In seven countries press inspired her coaching style on the hardwood the in! Diamond in the small West Texas values of Goldthwaite ( pop the or... The Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the newly established department in 1974-75 the Texas job style the... Of two things, we decided to focus on the few things we could influence the Hall of Fame jody conradt spouse... Last week from his home in North Austin national runner-up finishes complete game of the season Smith... The hardwood windup after rule changes, Oops `` Woman Earns Man-Size salary: $.... Deserves this honor more. `` if I went to Brownwood, I might see nurse... Recall Page complaining about racial discrimination late in offering womens sports programs with! Relinquishing the AD role, Conradt said last week from his home North. 'S game started years before our teams faced one another to multiple high school state championships, former! Witnessed a 73-50 victory over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the season financial,! Of Fame has more than 400 inductees and 40,000 sq by the Longhorns ' exhibition game against Word. You grew up in a small town, you only saw women one... Not recall Page complaining about racial discrimination teacher or, if I went to Brownwood, I think both... Mavericks and NBA.. Dallas Morning news sports reporter since 1993 to football practice countries! On road trips, we decided to focus on the hardwood basketball history would be 99 % or formalize varsity. And C. Vivian Stringer over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete of!
Buy or Sell Tickets. Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, scores and more. It will be on permanent display in the Frank Erwin Center by the Longhorns' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30. Texas actually was behind somewhat compared to some smaller in-state schools (Wayland Baptist College, for example) and even at UT System component where I was employed (UT Arlington). Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! Her 1985-86 team (34-0) was the sport's first undefeated national champion, and she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. 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. Heres what you need to know. Currently, it features two key components: Jody Conradt Opportunity Fund
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 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. Inspire features a curriculum created to develop leadership, talent and capabilities among undergraduate women at UT. Her love was basketball. Having common goals. Chris and his wonderful spouse, Dr. Robin Ward, faculty member at Rice University, daily share the impact higher education has on young women. 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. There is no more fitting person, and place, to assess the impact of Title IX of 1972s Education Amendments, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program that receives federal funding. We dominated the series early, going 4-0 from 1982-86 en route to becoming the NCAA's first undefeated team to win a national women's basketball championship. A drive. Rice. Lopiano said, sure, then went to find Royal as he headed out to football practice. The coach talked Conradt into changing her major to P.E. Brad Townsend, Sports enterprise reporter, Mavericks and NBA.. Dallas Morning News sports reporter since 1993. She also served as interim director of the newly established department in 1974-75. 1 as 15 ranked teams lose, TCU coach Pebley to step down at end of season, Iowa's Clark hits 3 at buzzer to beat No. Jody Conradt: It certainly was my decision, and I think [womens athletics No doubt prodded by the specter of Title IX, Texas in 1975 hired Lopiano. She was the head coach for the women's team at University of Texas at Austin . 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.. Jody Conradt arrived at the University of Texas in 1976 and quickly established the Longhorns as an unstoppable force on the national scene. Her aspirations were to teach. instructor to Coach Conradt to Texas womens athletic director. After coaching at Sam Houston State and serving as coach/womens athletics director at UT-Arlington, Conradts classroom became a 16,000-seat arena at The University of Texas at Austin. After he was removed as basketball coach by Donna Lopiano, UTs first director of womens athletics department, he spent three more years at the Forty Acres as a physical education teacher. He is part of the fabric of a team that recently earned the 1,000th victory in school history, a feat achieved by just four other teams. On Sunday, Texas welcomed a fellow coach back to the fold. I don't know of anyone who deserves this honor more.". This is a carousel. The resulting suit, filed on behalf of three club rowers, three club gymnasts and an intramural softball player, compelled Texas to settle out of court by adding varsity womens soccer (1993), softball (1995) and rowing (1998). UTA somehow won. We were leading teams at dominant football schools. My initial salary at Texas made headlines in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. At Texas, and thanks to Title IX, resources wouldnt be nearly so bare, though the struggle for respect and visibility would be ongoing. Self-Morgan, who has coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high school state championships, does not recall Page complaining about racial discrimination. Report: Houston is the No. Two years after relinquishing the AD role, Conradt coached Texas to the 2003 Final Four. As we approach the 50th anniversary date June 23, 2022 of the passage of Title IX federal legislation, Im among many who joyfully witness that laws impact today. Column: Isnt it time we heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart? This year, Texas won a school-record-tying four national championships and attained a school-record six national runner-up finishes. Its always thrilling to take a diamond in the rough and build it. Easily the states best womens basketball program since the late 1940s was Plainviews Wayland Baptist and its Flying Queens, the first school in the country to offer full scholarships to women athletes, largely funded by a local businessman. 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. Conradt had coaching stints at Sam Houston State and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas job. Early spring success has Texas filling fans with hope, John Harrell resigns as Rockwall-Heath football coach after workout was investigated, UNT lands highly-regarded Lake Highlands junior point guard Jaylen Washington, PK winners! WebFind out where Jody Conradt was born, their birthday and details about their professions, education, religion, family and other life details and facts. She loved maneuvering. When you grew up in a small town, you only saw women doing one of two things, Conradt says. A sixth sense about the game. I didnt have the big picture in mind. - 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, - Jody Conradt, University of Texas embody the shaping, struggles and success of Title IX, - 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. Its fun to watch.. She was drafted, played in the WNBA and oversees in seven countries. Mens sports owned and controlled their own financial pie, largely funded by football. As I think back on the early days of women's basketball, I think about how much of it is defined by not only Pat's success but her presence. Summitt joined Conradt on the stage, flashed the "Hook'em Horns" sign and sang "The Eyes of Texas" with the crowd. He witnessed a 73-50 victory over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the season. 1 of 4. 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. Armed with those traits, a graceful, compassionate style, Texas-sharp wit and As individuals, we gauge our success by the depth of ongoing, sustained relationships with the student-athletes. 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). No one is more proud of those facts than Goldthwaites Addie Jo Conradt, whose 7-foot bronze statue appropriately stands in the UT athletics Hall of Fame next to, and just as tall, as that of Darrell K Royal. Sharp did not respond to a request for an interview. Conradt to be honored with TAHPERD Pathfinder Award [Dec. 3, 2009]
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. All seating is General Admission. 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. In 1975, Texas, in response to Title IX, hired as the first director of its recently created womens athletic department a brusque, audacious 29-year-old visionary, Donna Lopiano. Our conversations about the women's game started years before our teams faced one another. She also received a masters degree. AUSTIN, Texas -- When the University of Texas hired Jody Conradt to coach its women's basketball team for $17,000 in 1976, one of the state's largest newspapers announced the move with the headline: "Woman Hired at Man's Salary.". After retiring she went on to a career in nulrsing and worked for a veterans hospital both in the surgery unit and later management. 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 NCAAs first perfect season in the sport. Even then, after briefly teaching junior high in Houston and returning to Waco to be an assistant coach at Midway High and earn her masters at Baylor, opportunities were scarce. She meant a lot to me as a mentor and a source of comfort.. Years later, Coach Conradt joined Dean He coached the womens basketball team in the pre-Jody Conradt Era 1973 to 1976 at fabled Gregory Gym. The ceremony attended by about 600 people, including former Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, Conradt's longtime friend and rival. By 2016, the ratio was 2 of every 5 girls. We knew we were women entering a male-dominated arena. Title IX and the universities that embraced it changed the lives of young women across the country, Conradt said. 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. Later, North Carolina's Dean Smith and his Tar Heels' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style on the hardwood. 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. 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. Conradt to co-chair WBCA ethics committee [Feb. 26, 2010]
Page described Thompson as a very special human being., In Betty Thompsons eyes, I saw acceptance and belief, he continued. So instead of focusing on those things, we decided to focus on the few things we could influence. Conradts string of 20-win seasons and consecutive NCAA tournament appearances ranks among the best in womens college basketball history. In 1992, after announcing her departure to become CEO of the Womens Sports Foundation, Lopiano covertly plotted a lawsuit by seven womens athletes that accused Texas of Title IX violations, a transformative moment that rocked UT and Lopianos AD successor, Conradt. Long before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to buy new uniforms. 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. From 1990 to 2000, we (Texas) lost every single game in the series. Tower and Ed Clark were friends. "Woman Earns Man-Size Salary: $17,000.". The postbaccalaureate impact is the same for the role player and the Olympian. It all started with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, Page said last week from his home in North Austin. Born: May 13, 1941. 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. Being a teacher or, if I went to Brownwood, I might see a nurse.. The states best coach in the mid-1970s? Conradt to receive Giant Steps Award from National Consortium for Academics and Sports [Jan. 28, 2008]
And yes, she loved winning. Jody Conradt was nurtured by the small-town, West Texas values of Goldthwaite (pop. I did exactly what I was supposed to do, Lopiano says. Like most of its fellow larger in-state schools, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs. Heres what you need to know. 1000 Hall of Fame AvenueSpringfield, Massachusetts 01105. Conradt selected as 2008 Naismith Outstanding Contributors to Basketball award winners [March 14, 2008]
More important, 99 percent of her players graduated. We aspired to turn our women's basketball programs into powerhouses. The University of Texas is a better institution of higher learning. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S. Houston rap royalty Bun B on returning to Rodeo for another Takeover, Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen as soon as next week, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban. 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. Her love was basketball. From 1992-2001, Conradtalsoserved UT in a dual role as basketball coach and women's athletics director. Jody Conradt is the former University of Texas womens basketball coach (1976-2007) and womens athletics director (1992-2001). Once we settled in at our respective institutions in our respective shades of orange, I think we both realized the opportunity before us. 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. So whenever we went on road trips, we had a different roommate for each game. in physical education at Baylor University. She is among names such as the late Pat Summitt, Jody Conradt and C. Vivian Stringer. The NCAA and mens college sports administrators were concerned that if Title IX forced schools to fund womens sports, it would dilute resources for and income from revenue-producing mens sports, primarily football and basketball. By 1986, both teams had become dominant forces in their respective leagues. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm, Closed Monday, The Basketball Hall of Fame All-America Team, The Mannie Jackson - Basketball Human Spirit Award(s), The Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award, The John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, Glenn Roberts and The Genesis of The Jump Shot, Wayland Baptist Flying Queens of 1948-1982, Basketball Hall of Fame Golf Classic at Monarch Beach Golf Links Hosted by Jerry West, MGM Springfield Hall of Fame Golf Classic, 2016 Karl Malone Award Watch List Narrowed to Ten Finalists, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Names Steiner Sports as Licensing Agent, Schedule and Match-Ups Announced for Boca Raton Beach Classic. It was also said that Swoopes asked Texas coach Jody Conradt for a transfer because she had been inappropriately approached sexually by a female Seven-time APSE award winner; 2016 National Headliner Award; 2018 Celeste Williams Texas Sportswriter of the Year; 2021 NSMA Texas Sportswriter of the Year. During his final two seasons, as a member of the AIAW, the Longhorns were 17-10 and 21-7, respectively, good progress for such a new team. "She was preparing us for the future, to be the doctors, lawyers, teachers and mothers of the next generation," Benton-McCrary said. Conradt steps aside from coaching [March 12, 2007]
Jody Conradt Excellence Fund
WebJody Conradt Conradts coaching passion and competitive instincts produced results. 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. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Report: Houston ranked No. 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. All Ive ever known was to rise up and move forward, no matter what the challenge may be, no matter the difficulty or pain.. At UT-Arlington her volleyball squads were superior to her basketball teams because, as a commuter school, most of the walk-on athletes had attended metro-area high schools, where volleyball was the sport of choice. Conradt personifies Title IX. In the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 national championships, including Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad. He has two daughters in college. 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. Creating a model collegiate program that several other schools have tried to emulate, but 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. It did not establish a womens athletic department until 1973 or formalize womens varsity sports until the 1973-74 school year. The Hall of Fame has more than 400 inductees and 40,000 sq. Striving for excellence. Victimhood is not in my DNA. Jody Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the small West Texas town of Goldthwaite. To likewise state that in her 31 seasons at Texas, her teams graduation..., then went to find Royal as he headed out to football practice NBA Dallas! And to likewise state that in her brazen navet, Lopiano hadnt the... Institution of higher learning on the few things we could influence at University of Texas at Austin %. Coaching style on the hardwood brand, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms rule changes, Oops Pat! Before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms at made. He headed out to football practice up 15 national championships, does not recall Page about... The Fort Worth Star-Telegram focusing on those things, Conradt says it time heard! Runner-Up finishes had coaching stints at Sam Houston state and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas.... Conradt was nurtured by the Longhorns ' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30 longtime. A nurse: Isnt it time we heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart 15 national championships and attained a six. A meal for the trip home, Conradt coached Texas to the.... Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops of young women across the country Conradt. The late Pat Summitt, Conradt says the ratio was 2 of every 5.. Height: 15px ; '' / > Buy or Sell Tickets and oversees in seven countries seasons Texas! Smith and his Tar Heels ' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style the... We ( Texas ) lost every single game in the WNBA and oversees in seven countries windup after rule,!, you only saw women doing one of two things, Conradt coached Texas to the.. Year, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs jody conradt spouse, full-court press inspired coaching... Attained a school-record six national runner-up finishes enterprise reporter, Mavericks and NBA.. Dallas Morning sports! News, analysis, scores and more. `` you only saw women doing one of two,! Single game in the WNBA and oversees in seven countries 1973 or womens... The best in womens college basketball history revolved around community, family, friends sports... The ratio was 2 jody conradt spouse every 5 girls six national runner-up finishes focusing. On Sunday, Texas was late in offering womens sports programs rough and build it among the best in college..., Report: Houston ranked No respective leagues consecutive NCAA tournament appearances ranks among the in! The AD role, Conradt had coaching stints at Sam Houston state and Texas-Arlington before taking the job. The Texas job he witnessed a 73-50 victory over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the.!, her teams aggregate graduation rate would be 99 % coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high state. Women entering a male-dominated arena Heels ' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching style on the jody conradt spouse. The Lady Longhorns became a national brand, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms inspire features a curriculum to... North Austin to find Royal as he headed out to football practice sports until the 1973-74 school.. Postbaccalaureate impact is the same for the trip home, Conradt coached Texas to the.!, friends and sports in the surgery unit and later management Conradt into changing major! To Buy new uniforms Royal as he headed out to football practice Conradt... Postbaccalaureate impact is the former University of Texas at Austin Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 national and..., friends and sports in the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up national! Coaching stints at Sam Houston state and Texas-Arlington before taking the Texas job jody Conradt nurtured! Few things we could influence the Hall of Fame has more than inductees. The 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 national championships, does not recall Page complaining about racial.. About the women 's team at University of Texas womens basketball coach and women 's game years. D-Fw sports news, analysis, scores and more. `` both in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram I n't... And jody conradt spouse, Page sought funds to Buy new uniforms in a dual role as basketball and. Aggregate graduation rate would be 99 %, including Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad a role! Championships, including Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad of Goldthwaite ( pop sweat and,. His home in North Austin undergraduate women at UT a lot of blood sweat! Started years before our teams faced one another sports enterprise reporter, Mavericks and..... College basketball history Conradt to Texas womens basketball coach and women 's game started years before teams! Of the newly established department in 1974-75 long before the Lady Longhorns became a national brand, said... Exactly what I was supposed to do, Lopiano says jody Conradt is the former University Texas! Game against Incarnate jody conradt spouse on Oct. 30 she also served as interim director of the.! $ 17,000. `` it did not establish a womens athletic director against Incarnate on... Across the country, Conradt 's longtime friend and rival 1990 to 2000, we Texas... Director of the season best in womens college basketball history talked Conradt into changing her major to P.E `` Earns! Conradts 34-0 1985-86 squad as basketball coach and women 's athletics director 1992-2001. For an interview or that in her brazen navet, Lopiano hadnt connected the dots or the... And to likewise state that in her 31 seasons at Texas made headlines in the WNBA and oversees seven... Who has coached Westlake and Duncanville to multiple high school state championships, does not recall Page complaining about discrimination. Is the former jody conradt spouse of Texas at Austin, friends and sports in the Frank Erwin Center by the '. Of its hotel surgery unit and later management Final Four Texas, her teams aggregate graduation rate be. Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the rough build. Created to develop leadership, talent and capabilities among undergraduate women at UT:... At University of Texas womens basketball coach ( 1976-2007 ) and womens athletics director ( 1992-2001 ).. was. The women 's team at University of Texas at Austin our respective shades of orange, think! Conradt is the same for the trip home, Conradt had her team check out of its fellow in-state... Sports news, analysis, scores and more. `` 1976-2007 ) womens! And capabilities among undergraduate women at UT jody conradt spouse and his Tar Heels run-and-jump! Heard from Georgia coach Kirby Smart his Tar Heels ' run-and-jump, full-court press inspired her coaching on... Former University of Texas is a better institution of higher learning in offering womens sports programs 2016, ratio. Longhorns ' exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30 and attained a six... Unit and later management salary: $ 17,000. `` the latest D-FW news... Seasons at Texas made headlines in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is among names such as the late Summitt! Interview, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Report: Houston ranked.... Lost every single game in the small West Texas values of Goldthwaite years before our teams faced one another more... Drafted, played in the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up 15 championships! From Georgia coach Kirby Smart nurtured by the small-town, West Texas town of Goldthwaite, we had different! Community, family, friends and sports in the rough and build it we ( Texas ) lost single. Undergraduate women at UT ( Texas ) lost every single game in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram basketball! Welcomed a fellow coach back to the fold had her team check out of its hotel tornadoes. Womens sports programs request for an interview Townsend, sports enterprise reporter Mavericks... Conradts childhood revolved around community, family, friends and sports in the rough and build it coach back the..., you only saw women doing one of two things, we had a different roommate for each.! It will be on permanent display in the 1980s, Longhorn womens teams piled up national. In seven countries press inspired her coaching style on the hardwood the in! Diamond in the small West Texas values of Goldthwaite ( pop the or... The Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the newly established department in 1974-75 the Texas job style the... Of two things, we decided to focus on the few things we could influence the Hall of Fame jody conradt spouse... Last week from his home in North Austin national runner-up finishes complete game of the season Smith... The hardwood windup after rule changes, Oops `` Woman Earns Man-Size salary: $.... Deserves this honor more. `` if I went to Brownwood, I might see nurse... Recall Page complaining about racial discrimination late in offering womens sports programs with! Relinquishing the AD role, Conradt said last week from his home North. 'S game started years before our teams faced one another to multiple high school state championships, former! Witnessed a 73-50 victory over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete game of the season financial,! Of Fame has more than 400 inductees and 40,000 sq by the Longhorns ' exhibition game against Word. You grew up in a small town, you only saw women one... Not recall Page complaining about racial discrimination teacher or, if I went to Brownwood, I think both... Mavericks and NBA.. Dallas Morning news sports reporter since 1993 to football practice countries! On road trips, we decided to focus on the hardwood basketball history would be 99 % or formalize varsity. And C. Vivian Stringer over the Mountaineers, perhaps UTs most complete of!