Born: 1950 (Okmulgee, Oklahoma)
Biography:
Linda Kay Sharp (born March 14, 1950) is an American former collegiate women’s basketball coach. Her coaching career spans 31 seasons with stints on all levels from elementary, junior high and high school to the collegiate and professional ranks, and she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Early life and education
Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and raised in Cypress, California, Sharp attended John F. Kennedy High School in Los Angeles and played at point guard on the basketball team. She showed exceptional talent and skills on the court, setting the stage for her future success in the sport.
Sharp enrolled at Fullerton Junior College in 1968 to begin her college basketball career and transferred to Cal State Fullerton in 1970. In her senior season, Cal State Fullerton finished third in the 1972 AIAW national championship, showcasing Sharp’s ability to excel at the highest level of competition.
Coaching career
After graduating from Cal State Fullerton in 1973 with a physical education degree, Sharp embarked on her coaching journey. She taught part-time at a local Catholic school and did substitute teaching before landing a full-time teaching and coaching position at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. At Mater Dei, Sharp coached multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, softball, as well as launching tennis and track programs. Her dedication and passion for coaching became evident as she nurtured young athletes and helped them reach their full potential.
In 1976, the University of Southern California (USC) recognized Sharp’s coaching prowess and hired her as an assistant coach for its women’s basketball program. Despite splitting her time between USC and Mater Dei, Sharp quickly made an impact and was promoted to head coach after just one year. Over the next twelve seasons, from 1977 to 1989, Sharp amassed an impressive 271-99 won-loss record at USC. She took a struggling program and transformed it into a powerhouse, leading USC to consecutive NCAA national championships in 1983 and 1984. The 1984 national title was a crowning achievement for Sharp, who earned WCAA, Wade Trophy, and Sporting News Coach of the Year honors. Throughout her tenure at USC, she was also selected as the Pac-10 Conference Coach of the Year three times.
In 1989, seeking a new challenge, Sharp accepted the head coach position at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). Over the next eight seasons, from 1989 to 1997, Sharp compiled a 138-85 record, further establishing herself as a successful and respected coach in the collegiate ranks. During this time, she also served on the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee for seven years, further cementing her influence on the sport.
In 2001, Sharp took on the role of head coach at Concordia University Texas, a Division III school. Over the course of seven years, she led the team to an 87–87 won-loss record, leaving a lasting impact on the program. Sharp’s dedication to coaching and her ability to inspire and develop players were evident throughout her career.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001
– Earned WCAA, Wade Trophy, and Sporting News Coach of the Year honors in 1984 for leading USC to a national championship
– Selected as the Pac-10 Conference Coach of the Year three times throughout her coaching career.