MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Lynx confirmed Wednesday that veteran forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin was named an assistant women's basketball coach at Rice University.
McWilliams-Franklin, who's playing in her 14th season in the WNBA, will join the Rice team when the Lynx's season ends. She has played overseas during the past 10 offseasons, but she has a home in San Antonio, which is about three hours from Houston, where Rice is located.
"We are pleased and excited to add Taj McWilliams-Franklin to our staff," Rice coach Greg Williams said in a statement on the Rice Athletics website. "Having coached vs. Taj in the WNBA, I have always respected her abilities, her competitiveness, leadership, and tremendous desire to win. She brings instant credibility to our players and her expertise in the post position will greatly benefit our young post players.”
Last season, the Owls went 16-16, with a 9-7 record within Conference USA. Williams, who has coached Rice since 2006, previously coached with the Utah Starzz and Detroit Shock in the WNBA.
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