March 25, 2004

West Texas A&M University women's basketball head coach Bob Schneider was recently recognized by the NCAA as one of only five women's coaches in NCAA-II with 500 wins in the coaching ranks.

Schneider, who is in his 23rd year at the helm of the Lady Buffs, is WTAMU's winningest head coach for most wins and percentage with a 536-150 (.781) record at his alma mater and a 585-188 (.757) in his 26 seasons as a collegiate head coach.

Schneider recorded his 500th win on January 16, 2003, in WTAMU's 81-55 win over Southwestern Oklahoma State University, was recognized by the Texas Legislature for the feat, with a House Resolution.

Overall, Schneider has coached basketball for 41 seasons, starting at the high school level before moving up to the college ranks. Schneider is inching closer to a milestone that some coaches can only dream about and few coaches actually achieve: 1,000 career victories, as his overall coaching record is 996-280 (.781).

"To have success, a lot of people are involved. I wouldn't have been able to do what I have done without the players I have had. I have been fortunate to always have a good coaching staff ... and there are the fabulous Lady Buff fans. Their support has been vital to our success." WTAMU head coach Bob Schneider

Schneider has guided the Lady Buffs to 17 seasons of 20-plus wins, including 25-6 this season, guiding the Lady Buffs to the LSC South crown and a berth in the NCAA-II South Central Regional Tournament, where WTAMU advanced to the semifinals before losing to LSC-foe Northeastern State.

"To have success," Schneider said, "a lot of people are involved. I wouldn't have been able to do what I have done without the players I have had. I have been fortunate to always have a good coaching staff ... and there are the fabulous Lady Buff fans. Their support has been vital to our success."

"Bob Schneider is a great guy and he's done so much for Division II women's basketball. He's always looking out for the best interest of his players." North Dakota State University head coach and fellow 500-win member Amy Ruley.

"Bob Schneider is a great guy and he's done so much for Division II women's basketball," North Dakota State University head coach and fellow 500-win member Amy Ruley told the NCAA. "He's always looking out for the best interest of his players."

For the complete story on the five NCAA-II coaches with 500 victories, go to the NCAA Championships web site: www.ncaasports.com

-WT-