Austin, Texas — Texas Women’s Basketball Head Coach Vic Shafer announced on Tuesday Blair Shafer Promoted from operations director to assistant coach. Schaefer has served as his director of operations for the program’s past two seasons.
“I am proud to announce the promotion of Blair Shafer I’m an assistant basketball coach here at the University of Texas,” said the Texas head coach. Vic Shafer Said. As a player and as director of player development at Mississippi State University, coming to Texas to serve as director of basketball operations, Blair proved to be the most organized person I’ve ever been. I think she has proven in her two years here in Texas that her ability to manage, communicate and organize our team, staff and programs is the best I have ever come in contact with.
We know our administration is very impressed with her abilities as Director of Basketball Operations. She has dreams of becoming a head coach one day, so I think it’s a natural progression for her to transition to the role of assistant coach. Earned a place on the team, appeared in two national championship games, and played for the SEC Championship Team. Our player and our program. Blair and I are grateful to Athletic Director Chris Del Conte and President Hartsell for their continued support of our program and for approving Blair for this role. ”
Schaefer played a key role in the Longhorns program that put together a historic 2021-22 campaign, winning its first Big 12 Championship title since 2003 and advancing to the Elite Eight Round of the NCAA Tournament for the second time in a row Did. .
As a student-athlete at Mississippi State University from 2014-2018, Schaefer was one of the most winning classes in program history. During her four years with the Bulldogs, she was a national finalist in 2017 and 2018, and each season she competed in the NCAA Tournament. After graduating, Schaefer spent her 2019-20 season as a player development coordinator with the Bulldogs before she moved to Austin in 2020.
“I love the University of Texas, our team, and this coaching staff, and it is such a privilege to be able to continue to grow under the leadership of so many people here. Blair Shafer Said. Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Dell cannot thank his Conte and President Hartsell for furthering his coaching career with Schaefer. Yes, every day he’s his coach in the office Schaefer, but to be honest, being able to work with the best guys and knowing who he is is what I ask for. One of the best opportunities he can have. I worked hard as a student-athlete to get the chance to play for him and we did it together at the highest level. Since then, I have worked hard professionally to get the opportunity to coach with him. This next chapter is for the book and I am so grateful. ”
As a junior, Schaefer led Mississippi State to the program’s first Final Four and national championship appearance, starting three games during the tournament. Her role expanded significantly as a senior, and she started all 39 games, averaging her team-best 32.1 minutes per game. She made 97 three-pointers that year, ranking second in MSU single-season history and averaging 9.1 points per game.
A selection of four SEC Academic Honor Roll winners named SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2017-18. In his final season at Mississippi State, Schaefer established himself as one of the team’s best defenders and earned a spot on his team in the SEC All-Defensive.
In her career, Schaefer appeared in 135 games and started 43 of them. She ranks third in Mississippi State University program history with her .
After graduating, Schaefer worked as a broadcaster for ESPN and the SEC network and was a color analyst for regular season games. She also participated in her ESPN coverage of the NCAA Tournament.
Schaefer announcement as assistant coach completes staff that also includes former All-American and WNBA player Christy Smith as Operations Director.
“I was able to hire Elena Lovato Sidney Carter returned in the spring and now both Lindsay Wisdom-Hilton When Blair Shafer As an assistant coach, I believe today’s University of Texas programs are better. ” Vic Shafer Said. “My philosophy has always been to surround myself with great people and great coaches.
