Conradt resigns at Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas women’s basketball coach Jody Conradt resigned Monday after her team failed to reach the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.

The 65-year-old Conradt is second on the Division I college basketball victory list, behind only Tennessee women’s coach Pat Summitt.

“The easiest thing to change is the leadership,” Conradt said immediately after the NCAA tournament selections were announced.

Conradt had the nation’s top recruiting class this season, but injuries, inexperience and immaturity hurt the Longhorns. Texas (18-14) lost six of its last seven league games entering the Big 12 tournament. It won its first tournament game but then lost to No. 9 Oklahoma on Wednesday.

“It’s a winning business. Losing is not acceptable,” she said.

Conradt, who led Texas to a 34-0 record and its lone NCAA title in 1985-86, fought back tears several times during the emotional news conference. Her players stood off to the side, many of them sobbing and hugging.

“What she’s done for the game is so important. She’s a legend, a pioneer,” player Tiffany Jackson said. “I don’t think anyone saw it coming.”

Conradt, who is 900-306 in 38 seasons, the last 31 at Texas, said she started thinking about retiring earlier in the season.

“I’m not going to take another coaching job,” she said.

“She’s an icon in women’s basketball,” Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer said. “… Our game will miss her.”