Born: 1959 (Canyon, Texas)
Biography:
Jill Rankin Schneider, a prominent figure in women’s basketball history, was born on July 30, 1959, in Canyon, Texas. Her journey in basketball began in high school, where she attended Phillips High School and quickly made a name for herself. Schneider’s exceptional skills led her to be named all-state twice and even secured a state title in 1976. During her high school career, she achieved remarkable statistics, averaging an impressive 40.7 points per game.
Continuing her basketball prowess, Schneider joined Wayland Baptist University (WBU) in the late ’70s. Her talent and dedication to the sport shone brightly at WBU, as she earned several accolades and marked her place in history. In 1977, Schneider was honored with a place on the prestigious Kodak All-American team, and she went on to earn the title on four other All-American teams.
One of the standout moments of Schneider’s college career was when she scored an astounding 47 points in a single game, setting a WBU record that remained unbroken for several years. Throughout her three seasons at WBU, Schneider accumulated an impressive total of 2,121 points, securing her position as the fifth all-time scorer in the Queens’ history. Additionally, she still holds five Wayland records, including scoring 1,000 points in a single season.
Schneider’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed on the national stage. In 1980, she earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, a tremendous honor for any athlete. Furthermore, she was drafted by the New Orleans Pride of the burgeoning women’s professional league. However, Schneider made the difficult decision not to pursue professional play.
After her playing career, Schneider transitioned to coaching, aiming to pass on her extensive knowledge and passion for the game. In 1986, she had the opportunity to assist in coaching the Texas Lady Longhorns to a national championship. This achievement further solidified Schneider’s impact on the basketball world.
Subsequently, Schneider embarked on a successful coaching career at both the high school and college levels. She spent 12 years as the head coach of the Borger High School Lady Bulldogs, leading the team to a state tournament appearance in 1994. Following her tenure at Borger, Schneider took the helm at Lubbock Monterey High School, where she continued to shape young athletes while serving as the head coach.
Jill Rankin Schneider’s achievements extend beyond her stellar playing and coaching career. She is one of the few athletes to be named Kodak All-American and Wade Trophy finalists at two different universities, Wayland Baptist College and the University of Tennessee. She is also a distinguished alumna of the University of Tennessee, flourishing in the Final Four with both institutions.
Beyond the collegiate level, Schneider’s international success is equally impressive. She won a gold medal in the 1979 World Championships in Korea and the William R. Jones Cup in Taiwan. In the same year, she was also a silver medalist in the Pan American Games held in Puerto Rico. Schneider’s dedication to her sport was further epitomized when she served as the co-captain of the 1980 Olympic Team.
Schneider’s exceptional basketball career has been recognized with several well-deserved accolades. In 1994, she was inducted into the Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame, cementing her place as a legendary figure in Texas basketball history. Additionally, in 2002, she received the honor of induction into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame.
Throughout her career, Schneider’s passion for the game and her dedication to shaping future generations of athletes has remained evident. Currently, she continues to make a profound impact as a high school girls’ basketball coach in Lubbock, Texas, inspiring young players and cultivating a love for the sport.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame in 1994
– Inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002