Born: 1943 (Humansville, Missouri)
Died: 2022
Biography:
Billie Jean Moore (May 5, 1943 – December 14, 2022) was an American college basketball coach who made a significant impact on the sport. She was born in Humansville, Missouri, on May 5, 1943, and later moved with her family to Westmoreland, Kansas. Her father, who was a principal at Westmoreland High School, played a vital role in Moore’s early exposure to basketball. Even though her high school, Highland Park High, did not offer sports for girls, Moore played fastpitch softball as a third baseman for an industrial team sponsored by Ohse Meats Company. She also played basketball for their Amateur Athletic Union team.
Moore began her coaching career as an assistant at Southern Illinois University while pursuing her master’s degree. It was during this time that she played softball for the Raybestos Brakettes, coached by Lou Albrecht, who would later recommend Moore for a coaching position at Cal State Fullerton. In 1969, Moore was hired as the women’s basketball coach and athletic director at Cal State Fullerton.
In her first year at Cal State Fullerton, Moore led the Titans to a historic victory, winning the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (CIAW) national championship in 1970. This accomplishment made her the first head coach in women’s college basketball history to lead a team to a national championship. Moore’s success continued throughout her eight seasons at Cal State Fullerton, as she compiled an impressive record of 140-15. Under her leadership, the Titans finished four seasons ranked in the top five, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in women’s basketball.
In 1977, Moore made another significant career move when she became the head coach of the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team. Her impact on the sport continued to grow as she led the Bruins to even greater success. Just one year after joining UCLA, Moore guided the team to a national championship victory in 1978, claiming the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) national title. This historical win made Moore the first head coach in women’s college basketball history to lead two different schools to national championships.
During her coaching tenure at UCLA, Moore achieved remarkable accomplishments. She was known for her commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and her relentless dedication to the sport. Moore’s teams were recognized for their disciplined approach and strong fundamentals. She instilled in her players the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship, creating a culture of excellence that propelled the Bruins to new heights.
Beyond her college coaching success, Moore also made her mark on the international stage. In 1976, she was chosen to be the head coach of the United States women’s national basketball team for the Montreal Olympics. Under her guidance, the team won a silver medal, showcasing the talents of college players on an international platform. The impact of their performance was significant, raising awareness and fostering greater support for women’s basketball.
Moore’s contributions to the sport were recognized with her induction into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999. These honors serve as a testament to her lasting impact on women’s basketball and her role in shaping its development and growth.
Billie Jean Moore’s coaching career was defined by her unwavering commitment to basketball, her exceptional leadership skills, and her passion for fostering the success and growth of women’s sports. Her pioneering achievements as a coach and her positive influence on the lives of countless student-athletes have left an indelible mark on the history of women’s basketball.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999