Born: 1958 (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Holly Warlick Biography:
Frances Hollingsworth Holly Warlick was born on June 11, 1958, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is an American college basketball coach known for her time as the head coach for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. Warlick took over the head coaching position from the legendary Pat Summitt prior to the 2012-13 season and continued in that role until the end of the 2018-19 season. Throughout her career, Warlick has made significant contributions to women’s basketball and has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Warlick’s basketball journey began during her playing days at the University of Tennessee, where she played under the tutelage of Pat Summitt. As a three-time All-American point guard, Warlick became a key player for the Lady Volunteers. She set several school records and was the first player in Tennessee sports history to have her jersey retired at the end of her playing career. Warlick’s talent and dedication earned her a spot on the 1980 US Olympic Basketball Team, further solidifying her place among the elite athletes of her time.
After her college playing career, Warlick joined the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WPBL) and played for the Nebraska Wranglers. In 1981, she was named a WPBL All-Star, and her team went on to capture the championship that year. Warlick’s exceptional performance and skills on the court led to her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the sport.
Warlick’s involvement with USA Basketball also brought her great success and recognition. In 1979, she represented the US at the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan, where her team emerged victorious, winning the gold medal. She continued to impress on the international stage, participating in the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Although her team took home the silver medal after a hard-fought final against Cuba, Warlick’s contributions, including recording seven assists, showcased her abilities as a top-notch player.
One of the defining moments of Warlick’s career came in 1979 when she was selected to represent the US at the World Championships held in Seoul, South Korea. The US National Team had not won a World Championship since 1957, making the competition particularly significant. Warlick’s skills and determination helped the team secure the gold medal, with an impressive win against Canada. Her average of 1.0 point per game contributed to the team’s overall success.
Warlick’s journey to compete at the 1980 Olympics was hindered by the US boycott of the Games. Despite this setback, she played a vital role in the Olympic Qualifying games, where the team achieved an impressive 6-1 record. Warlick’s performance on the court, scoring 1.3 points per game and recording eleven assists, further demonstrated her abilities and impact as a player.
Warlick’s legacy extends beyond her playing career, as she also made a name for herself in coaching. In 2015, she had the honor of being selected as an assistant coach for the USA team competing at the World University Games in Seoul, South Korea. The team showcased their dominance by winning all six games, highlighting Warlick’s skills as a coach and her ability to guide and inspire athletes.
Throughout her career, Warlick’s impact on women’s basketball has been widely recognized. Her remarkable skills as a player, coupled with her dedication to coaching, have solidified her place in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. As a trailblazer and influential figure in the sport, Warlick has paved the way for future generations of female athletes, inspiring them to reach new heights in the world of basketball.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.