Press Release :: Women's Basketball Coaches Association

"Our 25th Anniversary is a milestone in the history of the WBCA and we are pleased to share such an experience with all of our membership," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. "The game of women's basketball has grown so much over the years and we look forward to continuing our service to women's basketball coaches at all levels for many years to come. Thank you all for your support."

The 2006 WBCA National Convention in Boston, Mass. is the 25th convention, held in conjunction each year with the NCAA® Women's Final Four®. On September 1, 2006, we also celebrate the official birthday of the WBCA. Please join us in our yearlong celebration of a remarkable 25 years of excellence.

Betty F. Jaynes, current WBCA consultant, was the first Executive Director of the association and has served the WBCA since it's founding in 1981. Under the direction of Jaynes and Bass, the WBCA blossomed from its 212-member infancy into a 5,000-member-plus national organization and a leading resource, voice and advocate for women's and girls' basketball at every level.

At the very first WBCA National Convention held in Virginia Beach, Va. in 1982, the convention had only 99 registrants and 10 exhibitors. In a surprising contrast, the 2006 WBCA National Convention held in Boston, Mass., the WBCA will have approximately 2000 registrants and 120 exhibitors, demonstrating the WBCA's growth and development over the past 25 years.

"This truly shows the interest that has been developed for the basketball coaching profession and the game of women's basketball," said WBCA Consultant Betty Jaynes. "The most outstanding changes have been in the marketing of WBCA programs, as well as the wide respect in the athletic world regarding the opinions and visions of the coaches of women's basketball."

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game as an amateur sport for women and girls. For additional information about the WBCA, please visit WBCA.org.