Texas Arlington has found their next coach, as they are hiring Vanderbilt Associate Head Coach Shereka Wright, sources tell The Ball Out. Wright is replacing Krista Gerlich who departed the position to take over at Texas Tech earlier this summer.
“I am so excited and blessed to be named the head coach at the University of Texas at Arlington!” exclaimed Wright in the school’s press release. “It’s a dream come true to return to my home state. Thanks to Dr. Lim, Jim Baker and the entire selection committee for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility. Everyone, get ready for an exciting women’s basketball experience! Mav Up!”
Wright grew up in Copperas Cove, Texas where she became a Texas High School Hall of Fame member. After averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds per game her season (2000), Wright was named the National Player of the Year.
“Today is a terrific day for our women’s basketball program, the entire university and the Arlington community because we have hired a winner who is poised to take us to the next level” stated Jim Baker, the university’s Director of Athletics. “Our national search yielded a number of qualified candidates, but Shereka emerged as the best fit for us, and I am elated to officially welcome her and her family to UTA. Shereka’s deep Texas roots will make a profound impact on our program, and her resume and success speaks for itself. We’re excited for the future of the Lady Mavs.”
Like Baker, Teik C. Lim the Interim President of UT Arlington also had high praise for the addition of Wright.
“I am very excited to have Coach Wright leading the Lady Mavericks. This basketball team has built a strong foundation for future success both on and off the court especially in competition and academics, and I am confident that they’ll achieve great outcomes.”
Wright comes to UTA after serving as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. She has also served as an assistant at Alabama and Texas Tech. The school will officially be announcing Wright at a press conference inside the College Park Center on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m.
