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Scott resigns to focus on WNBA
October 5 , 2005
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Olympia Scott |
GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith Director of Athletics Deb Steward announced the resignation of Head Basketball Coach Olympia Scott this afternoon. Assistant Coach Lindsay Drury will lead all team operations until an interim head coach is named.
Scott, a member of the WNBA Champion Sacramento Monarchs, leaves the College after one season to pursue her playing career fulltime.
“From my phone conversation with Olympia, I know she struggled with this decision,” Steward said. “She connected with the student-athletes and helped build their confidence. We appreciate the impact she has had on the Herons and we wish her the best of luck.”
In her first season as head coach, Scott led William Smith to the Liberty League regular season and tournament championships, an appearance in the NCAA regional semifinals, and the program’s first 20-win season (20-8) since 1999-2000. The efforts of the William Smith coaching staff, which also includes second-year assistant Charlie Evangelista, were recognized when the conference voted them the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year.
William Smith returns 10 letterwinners, including four starters. The team’s top three scorers all return, including 2005 Liberty League Rookie of the Year Marisa Vespa (Immaculate Heart/Watertown, N.Y.), who led the team with 11.5 ppg and a William Smith first-year record 142 assists.
“While we are disappointed with the timing of this decision, we appreciate the seed that she planted,” Steward said. “She provided the William Smith basketball program with much needed energy and direction, and put the Herons on a championship course.”
The Herons open the season on Nov. 19, at Keuka. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.