Born: April 21, 1964 (Hereford, Texas).
Biography:
Mary Camille Kamie Ethridge is a former American basketball player and current basketball coach. She was born on April 21, 1964, in Hereford, Texas. Ethridge emerged as one of the most prominent women’s basketball players in history, leaving a lasting impact on the sport through her exceptional skills and leadership abilities.
Ethridge’s love for basketball began to blossom during her high school years at Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas. She played guard for the school’s basketball team and showcased her talent by leading them to a state championship in the 5A category in 1981.
Continuing her basketball journey, Ethridge attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she played under the guidance of the renowned Hall of Fame coach, Jody Conradt. Ethridge joined a Longhorns team that was already considered one of the strongest in the country. However, her presence further strengthened their position and set the stage for numerous successes.
In her first two years at Texas, the team secured a two seed in both the 1983 and 1984 NCAA basketball tournaments. In 1984, the Longhorns reached new heights, earning the top ranking in the regular season final AP poll. However, the team faced significant challenges when several key players, including center Annette Smith, suffered knee injuries that required extensive rehabilitation.
Despite the setbacks, Ethridge and her teammates remained resilient. The following year, in 1985, the Longhorns concluded the season once again as the number one team in the poll. With a remarkable regular season record of 28-3, they eagerly anticipated the Final Four, which took place at their home arena, the Erwin Center. Tragically, they were eliminated in the Mideast Regional semifinals by an unexpected buzzer-beating shot from Western Kentucky, ending their championship hopes.
The 1985-1986 season marked the final opportunity for Ethridge and several other seniors to secure a National Championship. Known for her intense competitiveness, Ethridge left no stone unturned in her pursuit of success. The Longhorns began the season with soaring expectations, and Sports Illustrated even labeled their arena as the best little scorehouse in Texas. The team entered the tournament undefeated and dominated all their opponents on their way to an undefeated season (34-0) and the national championship.
Ethridge’s outstanding performances throughout the season earned her several prestigious awards. She was the recipient of the 1986 Honda Sports Award for basketball, which recognizes exceptional athletic ability, and the overall Honda-Broderick Cup for all sports, acknowledging her excellence across various disciplines. Additionally, she received the esteemed Wade Trophy, which recognizes outstanding leadership, character, and athletic ability.
Following her illustrious college career, Ethridge continued to contribute to the world of basketball by transitioning into coaching. Known for her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the sport, she became an influential figure as a coach. Ethridge had the privilege of being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, solidifying her place among the greats of the game.
Today, Ethridge serves as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Washington State University. Through her coaching career, she continues to inspire and nurture young talent, instilling in them the same competitive spirit and determination that propelled her to greatness. Ethridge’s remarkable journey and unyielding commitment to the sport have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on women’s basketball history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002
– 1986 Honda Sports Award for basketball
– 1986 Overall Honda-Broderick Cup winner for all sports
– Recipient of the Wade Trophy in 1986