Shaw’s Curtis and Langston's Drain selected to work at USA Basketball’s 2007 Women’s National Teams Trials
April 25, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Shaw University's Jacques Curtis and Langston University's Donnita Drain have been selected by the USA Basketball Women’s Collegiate Committee to serve as court coaches at the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Trials.
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Curtis |
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Drain |
Curtis and Drain will join Narleski Wyrick of Southwestern Christian College (Texas) as court coaches during team trials which will be used to determine finalists for three USA Basketball squads– the U19 World Championship Team, U21 World Championship Team and Pan American Games Team. The coaching staff selections were made by the USA Basketball Women’s Collegiate Committee, which is chaired by Sue Donohoe, the NCAA’s vice president of Division I women’s basketball, and approved by the Executive Committee.
"This will provide me with an opportunity to work with some of the finest coaches and elite players in the country, which will enable me to broaden my coaching techniques as well as enhance my knowledge of the game," Curtis said. "I have always considered myself to be a great motivator, and I hope during my time with USA Basketball that I have the opportunity to assist the coaching staff with motivating these young women to be the best that they can."
In seven seasons at Shaw University (2000-01 to present) Curtis has lead the Lady Bears to an overall record of 159-56 (.740 winning percentage), including a 138-22 (.863 winning percentage) mark in the past five seasons. His selection as a trials court coach is his first USA Basketball appointment.
In 2006-07, Curtis' squad finished 18-10 and advanced to the first round of the Central Iintercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament. The Lady Bears have advanced to the past five CIAA Tournaments, capturing four consecutive titles from 2003 to 2006. A three time CIAA Coach of the Year, Curtis received the honor in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to work with some young women who will be changing the face of basketball over the next 10 years," Drain said. "I'm also excited to work with some of the premiere Division I coaches in the country and observe their styles. Coaches are always looking for new things to implement into their programs, and I think this will be a time for me to learn some new things."
After tallying a mark of 213-162 in 12 seasons (1995-96 to present) as the head coach at Langston University, Drain will undertake her first USA Basketball coaching assignment as a court coach for the 2007 USA Basketball Women's National Teams Trials.
Drain has led the Lady Lions to five NAIA National Tournament appearances and captured eight consecutive winning seasons. Her 2006-07 team finished 29-5, reaching the Red River Athletic Conference semifinals and the NAIA National Tournament quarterfinals.
Trials for the three teams will take place May 17-20 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. While hopefuls for the U21 World Championship and Pan American Games National Teams will conduct trials together, trials for the U19 World Championship Team will take place independently.
Finalists for all three squads will be announced following trials, with official rosters determined prior to their respective competitions.
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