University of Oklahoma Athletics

Preseason Banquet Set for Oct. 18

Coale a Coach of the Year Finalist

March 18, 2009 | Women's Basketball

By: Athletics Communications

March 18, 2009

ATLANTA -- Oklahoma's Sherri Coale is one of four finalists for the Naismith Women's College Basketball Coach of the Year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Wednesday.

Joining Coale on the ballot are Connecticut's Geno Auriemma, Auburn's Nell Fortner and South Dakota State's Aaron Johnston.

"Each of these coaches has proven that success is a result of hard work, dedication and passion for the game, and that transcends throughout their programs," Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president, said. "We look forward to watching them compete throughout the tournament and seeing which candidate claims the Naismith award."

Coale leads the Sooners into the NCAA Tournament with a 28-4 overall record and a Big 12 regular-season title, which helped earn the program its second-ever No. 1 seed.

Named the 2009 Big 12 Women's Coach of the Year, her fourth such honor, she has six Big 12 regular season titles, four Big 12 tournament championships, 10 straight NCAA appearances, and five Sweet 16 appearances. In 13 seasons with Oklahoma, Coale is 282-131.

Coale was also a finalist for the award in 2001.

The finalists were voted on by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country. The board based its criteria on coaching performances this season.

The winner will be announced in early April.

Sooners Ashley and Courtney Paris were previously announced as midseason candidates for the Naismith Award, given annually to the top women's college basketball player.

www.naismsithawards.com

 

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