Marsha Sharp Announces Resignation

Athletics

Marsha Sharp Announces Resignation Marsha Sharp
Photo by Norvelle Kennedy

Marsha Sharp has announced her resignation as head coach of the women's basketball program at the end of the 2005-06 season. She has been at the helm of the Lady Raider basketball program for the last 24 years.

Sharp resigns as the longest tenured coach at Texas Tech. A West Texas favorite, Sharp has not only made an impact at Texas Tech, but also in the community. She has become one of the most respected coaches in the country as well.

A National Championship, eight conference championships, two National Coach of the Year honors, a National Player of the Year and several All-Americans - these are just a few accomplishments Hall of Fame member Sharp has achieved in her 24 years at the helm of the Lady Raider basketball program.

For 24 years as head coach at Texas Tech, Sharp has been the reckoning force behind all the success the women's basketball program has had. With a career record of 571-187, Sharp has seen the Lady Raider program climb to new heights and continue the successful reputation it has.

"I will remember the tradition she created here. I congratulate everything she has done with women's basketball. She has been a pioneer of the game," says Erin Grant, Senior Guard.

Sharp and the Lady Raiders have accomplished what no other team at Texas Tech has done - win a national championship. Sharp guided the Lady Raiders to the 1993 national championship, while Sheryl Swoopes was named the National Player of the Year. Sharp has taken the Texas Tech program to the next level and it continues to rank among the top teams in the country year in and year out.

Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, Sharp not only has had success on the court but also in the classroom. Academics are a priority to Sharp.

Her program has a 97 percent graduation rate for student-athletes. Sharp's players have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, physical therapists, teachers, coaches and professional athletes, just to name a few. Thanks to her vision, persistence and her $100,000 gift, the Marsha Sharp Center for Student Athletes opened in January 2004. The center provides student athletes with state-of-the-art academic services facilities.

Texas Tech University President Jon Whitmore is very proud of the academic success of Sharp’s athletes over the years.

“There is no wonder why our student academic support building is named after Marsha Sharp. She exemplifies that quality over any other coach in America," says Whitmore.

Texas Tech Athletics Director Gerald Myers says Sharp will continue to be associated with the athletic department as an Associate AD for Special Projects.

“I look forward to working with Marsha as we continue to work to strengthen and enhance our sports programs,” says Myers.

Jan 15, 2020