Born: 1952 (Tulia, Texas)
Biography:
Marsha Sharp is a legendary figure in the world of women’s basketball, known for her exceptional coaching skills and her profound impact on the sport. Born on August 31, 1952, in Tulia, Texas, Sharp’s journey to greatness began at an early age.
Sharp attended high school in Tulia and subsequently enrolled at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, where she graduated in 1974. Throughout her college years, she demonstrated her passion for basketball and her natural talent on the court. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she went on to acquire a master’s degree in 1976 from West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) in Canyon.
In 1982, Sharp stepped into the spotlight as she took on the role of head coach for the Texas Tech University women’s basketball team, the Lady Raiders. This marked the beginning of a remarkable coaching career that would span over two decades. Initially, her team faced tough competition from the Texas Longhorns, led by the renowned Jody Conradt. However, Sharp’s perseverance and dedication eventually led the Lady Raiders to become a force to be reckoned with.
During the last years of the Southwest Conference’s existence, Sharp’s Lady Raiders demonstrated their dominance by winning five consecutive regular season titles, with four outright wins and one shared. Additionally, they secured three conference tournament victories. One of Sharp’s most notable achievements came in the 1992-1993 season when her team, led by the talented Sheryl Swoopes, clinched the first NCAA championship in the history of Texas Tech, regardless of sport.
In 1996, when Texas Tech became a charter member of the Big 12 Conference, Sharp continued to guide her team to success. Under her leadership, the Lady Raiders added three more regular season titles and two tournament titles to their impressive collection. Sharp’s coaching tenure left an indelible mark on the Texas Tech basketball program, as evidenced by her astounding win-loss records. In conference play, she achieved a remarkable 258-89 record, amounting to an impressive .744 winning percentage. Overall, her career record stood at an incredible 572-189, boasting a .752 winning percentage.
Recognizing her immense contributions to the sport, Sharp was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. This prestigious honor solidifies her status as one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history. Her impact extends beyond the court and into the lives of the players she coached, who continue to carry on her legacy.
Even after retiring as head coach of the Lady Raiders at the conclusion of the 2005-2006 season, Sharp’s connection to Texas Tech and its athletics program remained strong. She was named Associate Athletic Director for Special Projects within the Texas Tech Athletic Department, further highlighting her continued dedication to the university and its athletic endeavors.
The immense influence and success that Marsha Sharp achieved during her coaching career are immortalized in various ways. The Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes, located on the Texas Tech campus, stands as a testament to her invaluable impact on student-athletes’ lives. Additionally, the Marsha Sharp Freeway in Lubbock serves as a constant reminder of her profound contributions to the community and the sport she dedicated her life to.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.