Interesting speculation about TX job

[Vowelguy]

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/womens-basketball/news?slug=ap-texas-coachingsearch

While the UNT name might surprise, I believe she went there because she had a connection there (possibly former player?), and they were pretty desperate. I was hoping she'd resurrect that program! [I have family down that-a-way.] But still a bit odd to go from near-major conference (A-10) to something further down the list.

 

[alexrgct]

This would be an absolute joke of a hire. Lazy, uninspired, old girls club idiocy. Just a complete and utter debacle. Why even bother competing in women's sports anymore, Texas?

Edit: to be clear, the best women's sports coaches at Texas (volleyball and softball) were NOT Plonsky hires.

 

[alexrgct]

Allow me to continue ranting:

If freaking Illinois gets Matt Bollant and Texas gets Jody-Lite, that will be a sad reflection of the closed-minded way in which CP has run the women's AD at Texas during her tenure in that role. CP is an astute businesswoman who heped DeLoss Dodds build the template for how contemporary athletic departments operate, but she has been a disastrous AD.

Obviously, I will give a chance and root for whoever Texas hires, but it will not be with much enthusiasm or optimism.

 

[Vowelguy]

This would be an absolute joke of a hire. Lazy, uninspired, old girls club idiocy. Just a complete and utter debacle. Why even bother competing in women's sports anymore, Texas?

Edit: to be clear, the best women's sports coaches at Texas (volleyball and softball) were NOT Plonsky hires.

More color needed. Why don't you like her?
She's got TX experience (at UT no less), and had a successful run at a near-major.

 

[pap49cba]

If this story is true they may have decided they want someone with recruiting experience and roots in Texas vs another big name, big salary outsider ala GG. On the surface, though, it seems a very odd choice given all the resources at UT's disposal.

 

[Icebear]

Very odd.

 

[alexrgct]

More color needed. Why don't you like her?
She's got TX experience (at UT no less), and had a successful run at a near-major.

1. She has experience at UT during an incredibly mediocre period overall in which Texas's primary (and short-lived) success stemmed from Jamie Carey, a Stanford transfer. Aston did a pretty good job recruiting, but neither she nor Jody did anything with the kids recruited.

2. Her success at a mid-major pales in comparison to Bollant, Crowley, Giorgis, Kelly, hell even Tonya or Jen.

3. Beyond that, there's a more symbolic and problematic issue here that has to do with the history of the Texas women's program, the general social conservatism of the state, and why schools like A&M and Baylor have surged ahead in women's sports. There's no evidence that Plonsky even entertained the possibility of hiring a man, or placed a phone call to any of the names I just mentioned (or mid-major coaches), even though many of the most eligibile candidates right now are men. Instead, if this is indeed the direction, she went with an old girls club hire, a Jody disciple (and let's be clear, Jody stopped running a powerhouse program in 1990, even she stayed on until 2007), and, I hate to say it, but I'm looking and haven't found any evidence that she's married or has kids. I hope people don't find this offensive, but it's a real issue regarding the perception of UT's women's programs in the state, especially WBB.

 

[Harry Mangurian]

A dream come true................for Baylor.

 

[Vowelguy]

Ok, thanks for your explanation.

But suppose you believe that TX connections are a key factor for this job? Then that narrows the field considerably. What then?

.

And I have to say I'm a bit uncomfortable with these increasing references I see to an "old girls network", as if such a thing clearly exists. I can understand why some programs, particularly those that were pioneers and had to endure lots of discrimination and have a goal of not just winning basketball but empowering women, might still have a preference for hiring a woman, if possible. I have no problem with that.

 

[Vowelguy]

And then there's this:

http://the-boneyard.com/threads/the-glass-wall-women-coaches.17078/

 

[cardfan]

1. She has experience at UT during an incredibly mediocre period overall in which Texas's primary (and short-lived) success stemmed from Jamie Carey, a Stanford transfer. Aston did a pretty good job recruiting, but neither she nor Jody did anything with the kids recruited.

2. Her success at a mid-major pales in comparison to Bollant, Crowley, Giorgis, Kelly, hell even Tonya or Jen.

3. Beyond that, there's a more symbolic and problematic issue here that has to do with the history of the Texas women's program, the general social conservatism of the state, and why schools like A&M and Baylor have surged ahead in women's sports. There's no evidence that Plonsky even entertained the possibility of hiring a man, or placed a phone call to any of the names I just mentioned (or mid-major coaches), even though many of the most eligibile candidates right now are men. Instead, if this is indeed the direction, she went with an old girls club hire, a Jody disciple (and let's be clear, Jody stopped running a powerhouse program in 1990, even she stayed on until 2007), and, I hate to say it, but I'm looking and haven't found any evidence that she's married or has kids. I hope people don't find this offensive, but it's a real issue regarding the perception of UT's women's programs in the state, especially WBB.

It is offensive and illegal, even in Tx, to ask about marital status on a job app.

 

[Vowelguy]

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/womens-basketball/news?slug=ap-texas-coachingsearch

While the UNT name might surprise, I believe she went there because she had a connection there (possibly former player?), and they were pretty desperate. I was hoping she'd resurrect that program! [I have family down that-a-way.] But still a bit odd to go from near-major conference (A-10) to something further down the list.

The Guru (Mel Greenberg) implying that this is a done deal.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Karen Aston

 

[alexrgct]

It is offensive and illegal, even in Tx, to ask about marital status on a job app.

Offensive or illegal, when you go to kids' homes around the state of Texas and talk to families about what they think of different schools, a lot of parents worry that if they send their student-athlete daughters to Austin, they'll come back "corrupted". Is it stupid? Of course. Do I endorse these kinds of beliefs? Of course not. Does this nevertheless hurt Texas as a program given its location? Abso-freaking-lutely. Austin's a socially liberal town, but Texas isn't California.

I also seriously doubt anyone needs a formal job application for the position, or if there is one, it's a mere formality. At any rate, the omission of said question from such an application does not mean that the hiring party isn't aware of such things.

It's also illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender. I want to see evidence that Plonsky interviewed, or attempted to interview, any of the extremely qualified male candidates for this job.

 

[cardfan]

A state employee needs to fill out an application for employment.

You're making a lot innuendos Alex, and suggestionimg all will be right with the world of TX wcball if the candidate, male or female, is married with kids.

 

[alexrgct]

Ok, thanks for your explanation.

But suppose you believe that TX connections are a key factor for this job? Then that narrows the field considerably. What then?

.

And I have to say I'm a bit uncomfortable with these increasing references I see to an "old girls network", as if such a thing clearly exists. I can understand why some programs, particularly those that were pioneers and had to endure lots of discrimination and have a goal of not just winning basketball but empowering women, might still have a preference for hiring a woman, if possible. I have no problem with that.

Well, Geno's used the term if it comes to that, so he's certainly been under the impression it does.

Believe me, I respect what programs like Texas, USC, Tennessee, ODU, Cheyney, Long Beach State, La Tech, etc., did to advance the sport and provide opportunities, role models, and a platform for empowerment in general. And I'm also not naive enough to think that, in 2012, gender is some sort of outmoded social construct that doesn't exist anymore and that you don't have to think about. Having said of all of that, it's also upsetting to see a school like Texas dedicate itself to winning in men's sports (even when they have rough seasons, the investment and committment is there), and not making a clear effort to get the right person for the job in its women's sports.

 

[cardfan]

Do you feel the same way about the old boys in men's athletics?

 

[alexrgct]

Do you feel the same way about the old boys in men's athletics?

I would love to see women coach men's sports. It would take an exceptionally brave woman to do so; when you're the first, your success or failure is often deemed representitive of other [insert demographic here] being able to be successful. I believe at one time in the 1990s, Tennessee at least considered offering Pat Summitt the men's job. I loved her response: "Why should that be considered a promotion?"

 

[easttexastrash]

Ok, thanks for your explanation.

But suppose you believe that TX connections are a key factor for this job? Then that narrows the field considerably. What then?

.

And I have to say I'm a bit uncomfortable with these increasing references I see to an "old girls network", as if such a thing clearly exists. I can understand why some programs, particularly those that were pioneers and had to endure lots of discrimination and have a goal of not just winning basketball but empowering women, might still have a preference for hiring a woman, if possible. I have no problem with that.

Let's cut to the chase here. This reference to the "old girls club" is a reference to lesbians. I am not sure why anyone has to speak in code, unless the word lesbian is not an allowed word here.

UT has a bit of a lesbian reputation. It has been rumored that this has cost them some recruits. I have a friend who is a high school girls coach in Texas who has stated that he has first hand knowledge that this is true.

I do not know enough about this hire's personal life to know what her orientation is. I would hope that it would matter in this day and age, but I suppose to some it does.

 

[ThisJustIn]

Has the Baylor fan base forgotten a lesbian was key to their first national title?

moving on

Don't know what the machinations are behind the scenes, and not quite willing to assume Aston will be the complete disaster Alex seems to be predicting. If Kim has taught us anything, it's that coaching and success is a combination of many factors. Remember how everyone kvetched about St. John's hiring a DII coach -- and not even from a powerhouse like Bentley or UAA or Washburn, but Adelphi?

There is little doubt in my mind that Aston made specific choices to put herself into contention: great season with the 49'rs, surprising "to be close to my family" quitting, sudden appt. to N. Texas. What I do wonder is if the writing was on the wall a year ago in Texas.

 

[skaterboy]

i see this as a great hire. someone who knew the program and the landscape of texas womens basketball in the state of texas. she is driven and i seriously doubt she will fall asleep on the job and be too tired to coach like the one we had who resigned. karen is a proven recruiter. remember stacy stephens, heather schreiber, kala bowers, nina norman, tia dillard. those (5) gave UConn all they could handle in atlanta that year. I would say up to that time was during that era for Uconn was one of the hardest games they had to win. they were all recruited by Karen.

Im rooting for you guys to win it all. have always admired you coach, program, and classy fans who i met during my time in atlanta. that was a fine time spent talking to the Uconn fans who came in droves.

 

[easttexastrash]

Has the Baylor fan base forgotten a lesbian was key to their first national title?
moving on

By Baylor fan base I assume you mean me since I used the word lesbian. My post was in no was a criticism of lesbians. I was only pointing out that this has been a known issue at Texas.

I am thoroughly aware that Emily Neiman was a lesbian and played a big part in the Baylor championship. I regretted that she felt that Baylor did not allow her the opportunity to flourish in both her basketball career and personal happiness.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Well, Geno's used the term if it comes to that, so he's certainly been under the impression it does.

Believe me, I respect what programs like Texas, USC, Tennessee, ODU, Cheyney, Long Beach State, La Tech, etc., did to advance the sport and provide opportunities, role models, and a platform for empowerment in general. And I'm also not naive enough to think that, in 2012, gender is some sort of outmoded social construct that doesn't exist anymore and that you don't have to think about. Having said of all of that, it's also upsetting to see a school like Texas dedicate itself to winning in men's sports (even when they have rough seasons, the investment and committment is there), and not making a clear effort to get the right person for the job in its women's sports.

Though I think we can all understand that to be naive about the socially conservative beliefs of middle America whether in Texas or Connecticut is dumb, I'm not sure I understand the points that you are pointing at. Such as:

• Even if a school gets a real or rumored reputation as a quasi gay school, does that mean it's athletics are definitely shot to hell? Even in the more conservative states such as Texas or Tennessee, is it really impossible to win an NC or have a winning season if there are dark murmurings over on the right that the coach isn't married? Are we giving too much credit to the morality-panderers who say that Sylvia Superstar's parents won't let their daughter play for a strong but sexually ambiguous coached team? I know there's a lot of talk about the power of the bully pulpit, but seems to me there's more evidence that players and parents want to go with a winner, even if she does listen to K. D. Lang tapes. My daughter just chose to go to a school that is definitely considered a school with a lot of pixie dust, but sportswise, all she cares about is that the coach is great and they're going to the next level. The new generation of athletes may not have their parents' phobias, so let's not bow down unquestioningly to the "you're gay, you're dead" attitude about coaching and recruiting.
• I'm not sure that Aston will be the Longhorns' savior, but following the GG debacle, can we really say this is the wrong way to go for Texas and that it necessarily means that the AD doesn't give a fig about women's sports? I'm still p-o'ed at UConn for bringing in a nobody to coach the women's BB team 27 years ago, but Ashton does seem to have connections there and a decent coaching record elsewhere. As recently as 2003 I can remember the Horns being a frighteningly tough team, and even if she isn't a brainiac at X's and O's (not sure about that), a good group of assistants can help forge good teams. As always, wait and see.
• We all have our beliefs about who is the right person for a coaching job and who the big name school's should throw a lot of money at. Toss the money to a big name like GG or a Rich Rodriguez and you are guaranteed great results, right? Well sometimes yes, sometimes no. The fact that Texas didn't really interview anyone else for the women's BB coaching job is strange, but obviously they felt they knew who they wanted. Is this a Boston College type of situation with a bonehead AD run amuck? Again, we might just need to see if Aston can up her game to recruit and head-coach at a D1 power level.