Post University announced Monday that it has hired 13-year WNBA veteran and former Boston University assistant coach Taj McWilliams-Franklin as its new head women’s basketball coach. The six-time all-star played professionally for 21 years, including six with the Connecticut Sun, before heading to the sidelines in 2012.
“I am humbled and honored to be picked as the new servant leader of women’s basketball here at Post University. I want to thank Dr. Mroz, Provost Bailey, Don Kelly, Karin Mann and many others that were involved in allowing me to fulfill my dream of being a head coach. I will never take the confidence shown in me for granted,” said McWilliams-Franklin.
McWilliams-Franklin began her coaching career as an assistant with Rice University during the 2012-13 season. That summer she joined the coaching staff for the WNBA’s New York Liberty for a season under head coach Bill Laimbeer. In 2014 she was hired as an assistant at Boston University.
“The opportunity that Boston University and Coach Steding gave me was directly instrumental in me achieving my dream here at Post. I will take the many lessons learned from BU and put them to use here with my team. I look forward to being a positive and passionate medium of change here at Post,” McWilliams-Franklin added.
After spending a year a Georgia State University, McWilliams-Franklin transferred to St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. She was named the 1993 NAIA Player of the Year and Kodak First Team All-American. McWilliams-Franklin spent three seasons playing overseas and two with the American Basketball League (ABL) before being drafted by the WNBA’s Orlando Miracle in 1999.
She won two WNBA Championships in 2008 and 2011 and earned the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2005.
“These are very exciting days for the Post women’s basketball program. I believe we have found a dynamic addition to our coaching staff. Taj brings world-class experience to Waterbury,” said Post University president Dr. Don Mroz.
Last season, Post finished 7-21 overall and 7-12 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) play, earning the fourth seed in the conference tournament.
http://www.posteagles.com/news/2015/5/20/WBB_0520155503.aspx
Photo’s Courtesy BU Athletics
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