Texas Tech University Athletics
Lady Raiders Hold Annual Banquet
June 21, 1999 | Women's Basketball
April 19, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Texas Tech Lady Raiders hosted their annual post season banquet this evening. As part of the event, the team's Most Valuable Player and Fighting Heart Award were presented as voted on by members of the team. Also, a special announcement concerning the new athletic academic services building was made by Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers.
Angie Braziel (Odessa, Texas) was recognized as the team's MVP. In her senior year, Braziel started all 34 games at the post position and averaged 20.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. She was named the Big 12 Player of the Years, as well as, All-America by the United States Basketball Writer's Association, Associated Press, Women's Basketball Journal and Women's Basketball News Service.
Melinda Schmucker (Nazareth, Texas) was presented the Fighting Heart Award for being the hardest worker on the team. Last season the junior guard started every game and led the team with a 188 total assists. Schmucker was also second on the team with 33 three points baskets made.
Myers announced that the athletic department's new academic services structure would be named the "Marsha Sharp Center for Student Athletes." The title was given by Regent Sowell who earned the naming rights to the project after a million dollar contribution to fundraising efforts. Sowell choose Sharp for her efforts to bring positive recognition to Texas Tech University.
In 1998-99, Texas Tech had one of its most successful seasons ever. The Lady Raiders finished 30-4 and won the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships. They advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA women's basketball tournament for the sixth time under Sharp's direction. The team loses four seniors from this year's squad: Braziel, Rene Hanebutt (Bowie, Texas), Cara Gibbs (League City, Texas) and Julie Lake (Duncanville, Texas).
Sharp was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year and won her 400th game this past season. Perhaps most impressively, 99 percent of her student-athletes have graduated while she has been at Texas Tech.
