June 4, 2010

Retired Texas Women's Basketball coach Jody Conradt has been honored with the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA). The award will be presented at the Lifetime Achievement and Legacy Award Luncheon, sponsored by NIKE, at the 2010 National Convention.

Conradt is one of four recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented annually to athletics administrators who have dedicated their professional careers to advancing women in sport. Marcia Saneholtz (Washington State University), Andi Seger (Ball State University) and Dr. Mildred Barnes (University of Central Missouri) will also be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Legacy Award will be presented to Jennifer Alley (NACWAA), currently serving as the Executive Director Emeritus of NACWAA.

Conradt, whose roots were nurtured by the values of the small town of Goldthwaite, Texas, is now known as one of the most prominent figures in women's college basketball and athletics administration. As only the second woman ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, she was not only a pioneer, but a durable and dynamic leader who gave credibility and stature to her sport during 31 years as head coach at The University of Texas. Her 1985-86 team finished an unbeaten season as NCAA champions, and 99 percent of her letterwinners went on to earn their college degrees.

In 38 years as a head college coach (UT 1976-2007, UT Arlington 1973-76, Sam Houston State 1969-73) and dual role as UT women's athletics director (1992-2001), Conradt earned her reputation as a change agent, a willing, witty, and classy ambassador, and a passionate leader for women's opportunities in sports and education.

Conradt's teams won 900 games, making her the second all-time "winningest" coach in collegiate men's and women's basketball history when she retired following the 2006-07 season. She continues to give back to UT as a special assistant to the women's athletics director in a fundraising and public relations capacity.

"We cannot convey enough special recognition to the women who have been the foremothers of intercollegiate athletics. NACWAA is privileged to honor these women as Legacy and Lifetime Achievers for their dedication to enhancing opportunities for all women," said Patti Phillips, Executive Director of NACWAA.

Conradt will receive the award on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at The Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.