Riley to be Inducted into TJC Circle of Honor
6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
June 23, 2009
TYLER, Texas - For Immediate Release June 23, 2009
TYLER, Texas - Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack head basketball coach Lee Ann Riley will be inducted into the Tyler Junior College Circle of Honor TJC Director of Athletics Dr. Tim Drain announced in a release Monday afternoon. Riley, who coached at TJC from 1994-2000, is a part of a seven-member 2009 class that also includes Judy Kniffen Clardy (tennis), Richard Farris (football), David Rodriguez (basketball), Jacky Sweeny (basketball), Robert Talkington (football) and Scotti Wood (basketball).
"Once again we are excited to recognize excellence in athletic competition and life successes that honor Tyler Junior College into the fold of the TJC Sports Circle of Honor," said Drain.
Riley spent six seasons in Tyler and recorded one of the more successful runs in school history. During her rookie season as a head coach Riley's troops won 15 games. TJC fans only saw the win total increase every season culminating in a 34-2 (.945) campaign, and the 2000 NJCAA National Championship.
"I'm blessed and humbled to be recognized for the small part that I played at (TJC)," said Riley. "This is one of the most special honors that I have received in the world of athletics."
Under Riley's guidance TJC recorded five winning seasons, including three consecutive years of at least 21 victories. She produced four junior college All-Americans, 12 all-region players, 19 all-conference selections and three Region XIV Freshman of the Year. Riley also had 31 players who went on to finish their playing careers at four-year institutions.
Riley's players were just as successful in the classroom as they were on the court. She coached 22 Academic All-Conference selections, and three Academic All-Americans.
"I gained so much more from the city of Tyler, and TJC, than I ever gave it," said Riley. "I'm from Tyler, my mom was a TJC cheerleader and I was blessed to be able to play and coach there. TJC has been so instrumental in everything that I have achieved."
Following her career at TJC, Riley took a position as assistant head coach at Missouri for one season. She left Columbia, Mo., the following season to become the Ladyjacks' head coach. Riley is preparing to enter her ninth season at SFA.
TJC will recognize its 12th group of inductees into the Circle of Honor during an awards luncheon on Saturday, June 27, on the TJC campus. The awards ceremony will take place at noon in the Apache Rooms of the Rogers Student Center.
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