Press Release :: Women's Basketball Coaches Association

ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has named Brenda Byrd as the winner of the 2007 Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing Byrd’s lifelong commitment of service to the game of women’s basketball. 

“Brenda Byrd has committed much of her life to the enhancement of women’s athletics and has served as a true stakeholder of our game,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass.  “On behalf of the WBCA, I am honored to recognize Brenda as the recipient of the 2007 Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Byrd, who served as an educator for over 30 years, began her teaching career in South Carolina and for the next 30+ years served as a teacher and coach with Darlington County Public Schools and Darlington Recreation Center.   

While working in the education field, this Hartsville, South Carolina native also touched the lives of many young girls who had the privilege to play for her at the recreational, AAU, junior high and high school levels.  Amidst the many championships that don Byrd’s resume of achievements, Byrd is most known for the positive impact that she was able to leave on each of the young girls’ lives.  She gave most of her time, financial resources and life to the children that she coached. 

"Jostens is pleased to honor such a worthy recipient for her lasting dedication to women's basketball.  It is our privilege to tribute Brenda's character, leadership and success through the Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award," said Nicole Ellos, Jostens Championship Sales and Marketing Manager.  "We thank her for a lifetime of contributions to further women's athletics."

Byrd will be formally presented the award at the WBCA Awards Luncheon presented by State Farm and Jostens on Tuesday, April 3, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) in the Crowne Plaza’s Grand Ballroom.  The luncheon is part of the WBCA National Convention, held in conjunction with the 2007 NCAA® Women’s Final Four® in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The award, sponsored by Jostens, is named in honor of the late Senda Berenson, who in her role as a physical education instructor at Smith College in Northampton, Mass., introduced “basketball” to her female gym students in 1892.  This introduction marked the birth of the women’s game, which occurred the year following basketball’s invention by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Mass.

Byrd joins a distinguished group of recipients which includes: The late Sue Gunter, Louisiana State University (2006); Charles Heatly, Lindsay High School (2005); Louise O’Neal, Wellesley College (2004); Dr. Charlotte West, Southern Illinois University (2003); Dr. Jill Hutchison, Illinois State University (2002); Bob Spencer, Fresno State (2001); the late Dr. Brenda Reilly, Central Connecticut State University (2000); Betty Wiseman, Belmont University (1999); Dr. Rose Marie Battaglia (1998); Lea Plarski, Saint Louis Community College (1997); Carole Baumgarten (1996); Billie Moore, California State - Fullerton (1995); Marcy Weston, Central Michigan University (1994); Patsy Neal (1993); Harley Redin, Wayland Baptist University (1992); Alberta Lee Cox (1991); Bertha Frank Teague (1990); Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee (1989); Hunter Low, Eastman Kodak Company (1988); Cathy Rush, Immaculata College (1987); Mildred Barnes, Central Missouri State University (1986); the late Carol Eckman, Lock Haven University (1985); and the late Margaret Wade, Delta State University (1984).

About Jostens

Minneapolis-based Jostens, founded in 1897, is a leading provider of products, programs and services that help people celebrate important moments, recognize achievements and build affiliations. The company's products include yearbooks, class rings, graduation products and products for athletic champions and their fans. Through tradition and technology, innovation and partnerships, Jostens continues to create powerful new ways for people to express their pride and mark life's biggest moments.

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 in all of its aspects as a sport for women and girls. For more information about the WBCA, please visit WBCA.org.