April 18, 2006

Watch the Press Conference
Sylvia Crawley's Press Conference Quotes

ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio University Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt announced today that Sylvia Crawley has been chosen to lead the Bobcats' women's basketball program. Crawley, a native of Wintersville, Ohio and a Steubenville High School graduate, is the eighth head coach in the history of the program.

After playing with the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars in 2003 and 2004, Crawley spent the 2005-06 campaign as the top assistant at Fordham University. She was involved in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, player development and game preparation. Following the retirement of Rams' head coach Jim Lewis after the season, Crawley was elevated to interim head coach.

"As we set out to identify the best person to lead our women's basketball program, we looked for someone who had won championships and is committed to the value of higher education," said Hocutt. "We looked for someone who would not only teach our young women about basketball, but also about life. It was also our hope to find someone who knows our state and our university. In Sylvia Crawley, we have found the person who exemplifies each of the characteristics were looking for, and more."

Crawley also served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, from 2000-02. In her two seasons with the Tar Heels, the team posted a combined 41-23 record and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament in 2002. Crawley performed a variety of duties, including recruiting, player development, opponent scouting and monitoring the offseason conditioning programs.

"When I came on my visit, I just fell in love with the facilities," Crawley said. "I felt really comfortable with President McDavis in terms of his commitment to support women's basketball, and that really set the tone for my whole experience. I got a chance to meet the players and really made a connection with them in a short amount of time. I'm looking forward to interacting with them and giving them everything I have to offer. The main reason I do this is for them."

Crawley began coaching after a stellar playing career both at the collegiate and professional levels. While at North Carolina, Crawley captained the 1993-94 Tar Heels to a 33-2 record and the national championship, earning Final Four MVP honors from the Carolina coaches. Crawley was named to the East Region All-Tournament Team and was the ninth-leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 14.3 points in the Tar Heels' six games. She also helped North Carolina to the 1994 ACC Tournament championship and was named to the All-ACC Tournament Team.

Crawley's success at North Carolina was not limited to one season. She had her #00 jersey honored in 2000, becoming one of just nine players in school history to have their jersey retired or honored. She is one of 24 players ever to score 1,000 career points at North Carolina and still ranks among the school's all-time top 10 in blocked shots and field goal percentage. In 2003, she was named to the ACC's 50th Anniversary Team. She was also the recipient of the Dapper Dan Sportswoman of the Year Award which recognizes the local sports figures who shine the brightest light on the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

In addition to her collegiate success, Crawley has played at the international and professional levels. She was the 1995 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year after helping the United States to a sliver medal at the World University Games. She was chosen as an alternate for the 1996 Olympic team, and helped the U.S. to a silver medal at the 1997 World Championship Qualifying Tournament.

Crawley was the Final Four MVP after leading the North Carolina Tar Heels to the 1994 national title.

Crawley began her professional career in the Pro European League from 1994-96. She returned to the United States, playing with the Colorado Explosion of the American Basketball League from 1996-98 and helping the squad to a Western Conference title. Crawley won the first-ever ABL women's slam dunk contest in 1998, completing a blindfolded slam. She moved on to the ABL's Portland Power from 1998-99, earning another Western Conference championship. Crawley went back to the Pro European League from 1999-2000 before joining the WNBA as a member of the Portland Fire where she was a team captain. After three seasons in Portland, she was traded to the San Antonio Silver Stars where she also served as a captain. While with San Antonio, Crawley gained experience working with the San Antonio Spurs/Stars front office. She was involved in a variety of tasks, including marketing, public relations, operations and management. She resumed her playing career in Korea in 2005.

Crawley is also a very active clinician. She has organized her own basketball camp since 1995 and has worked at a variety of camps and clinics since 1994. She was a coach at the Michael Jordan Basketball Camp from 1992-94. Crawley is also an active motivational speaker, presenting to youth groups and schools at various events, including the Steubenville High School commencement in 1998.

"We are very excited that Sylvia has decided to join the Ohio Athletics family," said Hocutt. "Her basketball credentials are impeccable. She has won a national championship, played at the game's highest levels and been mentored by some of the sport's best leaders."

What They Are Saying About Sylvia Crawley

"Sylvia has championship experience on the college level, the professional level and in international ball. She has it all. She's got tons of experience and she's a great person. She'll be a tremendous role model and representative for Ohio University."
- Sylvia Hatchell, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of North Carolina

"Sylvia is a born competitor. She has had success on all levels of the game and I am certain that she will continue to enjoy success as Ohio University's newest head coach."
- Dawn Staley, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Temple University; Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist

"I think it adds tremendous credibility given her professional experience both in the United States and overseas. Her expertise and contacts that she has across the nation will be valuable to the program."
- Linda Hargrove, General Manager, Washington Mystics