Paris returns to OU as assistant coach
NORMAN — Courtney Paris is back in Norman.
The biggest star in OU women's basketball history was named an assistant coach for the Sooners on Wednesday.
“Courtney Paris loves Oklahoma women's basketball,” Sooners coach Sherri Coale said in a release. “She has a heart for the journey of the collegiate athlete and a
tremendous vat of basketball knowledge to share as, professionally, she has played with and for some of the greatest minds in our game.
“Courtney will be an outstanding recruiter, a pivotal mentor and guide for our post players and a valuable addition to our sideline. She's a proven winner, and we are thrilled to welcome her home.”
Paris replaces Co que se Washington, who served one year on Coale's staff.
Washington is expected to be named an assistant coach at Notre Dame, her alma mater.
Paris was the first-ever four- time Associated Press and USBWA All- American in women's college basketball history, starring for the Sooners from 2005-09. When she graduated, Paris held 20 NCAA Division I records, 57 Big 12 records and 69 school records. Those records included an NCAA-best 112 consecutive double-doubles.
She remains the Sooners' all-time leader in points (2,729) and rebounds (2,034).
Paris averaged 19.9 points, 14.8 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game.
In 2007, she earned AP National Player of the Year honors.
“I'm thrilled to return to my alma mater as a coach,” Paris said in a release. “When Coach Coale offered me the opportunity, it was a no-brainer.”
Paris spent the last decade in the WNBA, playing for Sacramento, Atlanta, Tulsa, Dallas and Seattle. She l ed the WNBA in rebounding in 2014 and 2015 and helped the Seattle Storm win the 2018 WNBA title.
Paris also spent nine seasons playing internationally.