Curliss resigns to take head coaching position at East Texas Baptist University

April 24, 2003

WomenÕs basketball assistant coach Lisa Curliss has resigned to take the head women's basketball coach position at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. The Lady Tigers play in the American Southwest Conference in NCAA Division III.

Curliss heads to East Texas Baptist after being Washburn's assistant coach the past two seasons, helping the Lady Blues to a 53-11 record. The Lady Blues advanced to the NCAA Division II national tournament both seasons and were crowned MIAA regular season and tournament champions and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2002-03.

"I really appreciate the opportunity I had at Washburn," said Curliss. "It was great to be a part of a very successful program and I hope to continue that at East Texas."

Curliss came to Washburn prior to the 2001-02 season after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma. She also was an assistant coach at Norman (Okla.) High School, where she was the 6A Sophomore Coach of the Year. She played collegiately at Oral Roberts from 1993-1995.

In addition to becoming the head basketball coach Curliss will be East Texas BaptistÕs womenÕs cross country coach.

"Lisa has done a great job for us the past two seasons and has been a great asset to the program," said Washburn head coach Ron McHenry. "We wish her best of luck at East Texas Baptist."

McHenry will begin a search immediately for a replacement for Curliss, who will stay on at Washburn until May 9 when she will begin her responsibilities at East Texas Baptist.