Moody to Retire at End of Women's Basketball Season
2/22/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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Press Conference Photos
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TUSCALOOSA - Rick Moody, the winningest coach in University of Alabama basketball history, announced today his plan to retire from coaching at the end of the current women's basketball season.
Moody, in his 16th season at the helm of the Crimson Tide program, has amassed 310 career victories. He is the only Alabama basketball coach (men's or women's) to reach 300 wins at the Capstone.
"It has been my privilege and the honor of a lifetime to serve as the head coach of the women's basketball program at Alabama for the past 16 years," said Moody. "I look back over these years with great pride and satisfaction for the growth and success of this program. It has been a truly gratifying experience to guide and mentor all of the young women who chose to play for this great university.
"I am leaving with great memories and warmest regards for all my colleagues in the Athletics Department. I have always appreciated the support and friendship extended to me and my family by the administration, faculty, staff and amazing fans of the University of Alabama. As I enter retirement, I look forward to continuing to follow and support the efforts of the fine Crimson Tide athletic programs."
During his tenure, Moody has taken Alabama to 11 postseason appearances including eight NCAA Tournament bids. He guided his charges to the school's only Final Four trip in 1994 and also led Bama to five consecutive "Sweet 16" finishes.
Moody led the Crimson Tide to 20 or more victories in eight seasons including a school record 26 victories in 1993-94. He guided Bama to a final Top 25 ranking eight times and posted 44 wins over nationally ranked opponent including nine versus Top 10 squads.
Other highlights of his coaching tenure include 29 regular season tournament titles, 145 home victories, 97 regular season SEC wins, 13 SEC Tournament victories and a 72-23 (.758) all-time record against in-state foes including a 17-12 mark versus Auburn.
Under his guidance, Moody's pupils earned 12 All-American accolades and 22 All-SEC selections. Alabama student-athletes have garnered 45 Academic All-SEC awards in his tenure. Eight former Moody players continued their playing careers in the professional ranks including five that played in the WNBA.
Moody will serve as the Crimson Tide's head coach for the remainder of this season, which includes the final two regular season games this week, the SEC Tournament and any postseason play. His current contract expires at the end of June.
"I would like to say thank you to Rick for his commitment, dedication and hard work over the past 16 years as the head coach for our women's basketball team," said Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore. "He has led the program to some of its greatest accomplishments including the school's only Final Four appearance. He has truly helped bring national attention to the Alabama Women's Basketball program having led the team to 11 postseason appearances including eight NCAA Tournaments. He is also responsible for over 300 victories in his career, the only Alabama basketball coach to attain that level of success.
"His success goes beyond the court though, as Rick has also helped develop his players into productive students and citizens off the court. He is a shining example of what being a teacher and coach should be at this level.
"We all wish Rick and his family all the best in his retirement and I want to thank him again for all that he has done for this University, this athletic department and for the women's basketball program. His legacy will not soon be forgotten."
RICK MOODY'S RETIREMENT STATEMENT:
"First of all, as I look out here, I want to thank everybody for your support. I never imagined we would have this kind of turnout this morning. I am very grateful for my friends and everybody that is here including the administration. Most of you that have ever asked me a question will probably appreciate me having a written statement because I have a tendency at times to ramble on. So here it is...
"After careful consideration and hours of prayer and in discussions with my family, I have chosen to announce my retirement from the head coaching position at the University of Alabama, which will be effective immediately following the season. I feel that my decision has been made out of love. Love for the University, love for my family, love for my coaches and my players and of course for the great years of memories that we have had here at this great institution.
"I would like to thank Coach Mal Moore (Director of Athletics) for his support and Marie Robbins (Senior Woman Administrator/Associate AD) for her oversight of our program. I would also like to thank all the former and current players and coaches that have made my time here at Alabama so memorable.
"Finally, I want to especially thank my wife (Sandra) and my son (Ben) for their unconditional love. It is very, very difficult to be a coach's wife with all the emotional swings you have to deal with. Her love has been unconditional and we are joined at the hip. I can assure you that we are looking forward to many, many exciting years. We actually feel like we are at halftime. We don't feel like we are in the fourth quarter or even feel like we're in the third quarter because we've got lots of wonderful years. So I want to say 'Thank You' sweet wife. My son, Ben, couldn't be here today because he's playing in a college golf tournament and hopefully he'll make more putts today than he did yesterday.
"I am confident that this program will continue to take steps forward. It has been an honor for me to have been able to have played a significant role in the rich tradition of excellence associated with the University of Alabama Athletic program.
"Thank you Coach (Mal Moore) for this opportunity. Thanks to Steve Sloan (former UA Athletic Director) and Sarah Patterson for 16 years ago having enough faith and confidence in an ol' high school coach to give me the opportunity to build a program that I will forever be a part of and for which I am extremely grateful. It has been a great, great run."
Press Conference Photos:
(All photos by Kent Gidley)
Coach Rick Moody announces his retirement after 16 seasons at Alabama.
Moody gets a handshake and well wishes from athletic director Mal Moore.
Rick Moody and his wife Sandra leave the press conference hand-in-hand.
