Tall Enough to Coach

Marsha Sharp has been the coach of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball team for more than twenty years. From her beginnings as a player not tall enough to play college basketball, to guiding the 1993 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship team and coaching the victorious 2002 USA team in international competition, Sharp has honed a tradition of winning, not only on the basketball court but in everyday life. Tall Enough to Coach traces Sharp's basketball journey from her West Texas beginnings through her 23rd season with the Lady Raiders. A 2003 inductee into the national Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Sharp has consistently guided her teams through conference and post-season NCAA victories. With a career record of 508-159, she has led Texas Tech to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, was a Naismith Coach of the Year finalist numerous times, was honored as Big 12 Coach of the Year twice, was selected as SWC Coach of the Year 5 times, and was named National Coach of the Year in 1993 by the Women's Basketball News Service and the Columbus, Ohio, Touchdown Club. Sharp was inducted to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in May 2003.
Sharp examines the secrets of the Lady Raiders' success, provides a series of player profiles highlighting former and current players and fans, and sheds light on her tried and true philosophy of playing and living with integrity. Central to the book is the Lady Raiders' run to the 1993 National Championship and the rise of current WNBA star, Sheryl Swoopes. Perhaps Coach Sharp is most proud of the academic success of her players. The Lady Raiders have a 99-percent graduation rate. Success in the classroom often leads to success on the hardwood, as can be seen from what has been accomplished in Coach Sharp's tenure.