Stephens Promoted To Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach

June 1, 2007

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson women’s basketball head coach Cristy McKinney has announced that Shanice Stephens has been promoted to Associate Head Coach. Stephens is entering her third year with the Lady Tiger program after helping Clemson to sign a top-25 recruiting class for the 2007-08 season.

“Shanice is a passionate basketball coach who has developed in all areas over the years,” McKinney said. “She has a special gift of talking with and relating to people, which is invaluable in the coaching business. She is a key part of our staff and has definitely earned the title of Associate Head Coach.”

Stephens will remain in her role as recruiting coordinator, as she has overseen the efforts for the past two years. Rising sophomore Lele Hardy, the first recruit to sign under McKinney, just completed one of the most prolific rookie campaigns in program history. The former South Carolina State Player-of-the-Year was named to the 2007 ACC All-Freshman team and set numerous school freshman records last season.

Prior to Clemson, Stephens spent nine seasons as an assistant coach under McKinney at Rice University. The Lady Owls posted 20 or more wins in six of her seasons in Houston and advanced to their first NCAA appearance in 2000 after claiming the WAC Tournament title.

Stephens, who claims a passion for defense, guided former Rice player Krystal Frazier to WAC All-Defensive team honors in 2004-05 and Lady Tiger Lele Hardy to an ACC-best 3.27 steals per game average last year. Overall, Clemson ranked fourth in the conference in 2006-07 with 10.97 steals per game.

“I am extremely grateful to Coach McKinney, Dr. Phillips and Barbara Kennedy-Dixon for thinking enough of my capabilities to promote me to such a distinguished position,” Stephens said. “It presents wonderful challenges and opportunities that I am prepared to face and is truly a blessing.””

“It is an exciting time for Clemson women’s basketball. Our future is very bright and I am proud to be a part of such a special program.”