Born: 1955 (Delhi, Louisiana)
Biography:
Mickie DeMoss is a former American college basketball coach and player, known for her significant contributions to the sport. She was born on October 3, 1955, in Delhi, Louisiana, and went on to have a remarkable career spanning 45 years in coaching basketball.
DeMoss’s journey in basketball began during her high school years, where she displayed exceptional skills on the court. She then enrolled at Louisiana Tech University, where she played as the starting point guard for three years. After graduating in 1977 with a degree in physical education, DeMoss wasted no time in diving into the coaching profession.
Her coaching journey began as an assistant coach at Memphis State University (now Memphis) in 1977. It was here that she started to develop her coaching skills and gain valuable experience. Two years later, in 1979, she made history by becoming the first full-time women’s basketball coach at the University of Florida. Despite facing challenges, DeMoss worked tirelessly to build a solid foundation for the program during her four-year tenure.
In 1983, DeMoss moved on to Auburn University, where she served as an assistant coach under the guidance of Joe Ciampi. Her recruiting prowess became evident during her time at Auburn, as players she had helped recruit led the Lady Tigers to an impressive 119-13 record over the next four seasons, including two appearances in the Final Four.
DeMoss’s exceptional coaching abilities caught the attention of legendary coach Pat Summitt, who hired her as the top assistant at the University of Tennessee in 1985. DeMoss spent the next 18 seasons at Tennessee, playing a crucial role in the team’s success. Under her guidance, the Lady Vols secured an astounding 13 Final Four appearances and won six NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championships. DeMoss was not only an exceptional recruiter but also the official recruiting coordinator for the Lady Vols.
In 2003, DeMoss returned to the head coaching position, this time at the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats were going through a challenging period, but DeMoss quickly worked to turn things around. Her emphasis on recruiting helped bring back the glory days for the program. During her tenure, the team’s average attendance increased significantly, and season ticket sales grew to over 3,000. Under DeMoss’s leadership, the Wildcats showed improvement both on and off the court.
DeMoss’s impact on women’s basketball extended beyond her coaching career. She served as an assistant coach for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA and was involved with other prominent collegiate programs like the University of Texas and Auburn University. Her dedication, leadership, and coaching prowess left an indelible mark on the sport.
In recognition of her significant contributions to women’s basketball, Mickie DeMoss was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 as a Contributor – Assistant Coach. Her passion for the game, tireless work ethic, and commitment to developing players have cemented her legacy in the sport.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 as a Contributor – Assistant Coach.