Curry Hopes to Add a Winning Flavor

Denise Curry, one of the best college players in women’s basketball history as a three-time All-American at UCLA, hopes she can rekindle some of that success in her first head coaching job at Cal State Fullerton.

Curry, 37, was named Friday to replace Deborah Ayres, whose five-year Titan career ended with a 10-16 season.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” Curry said. “I come from a family of basketball coaches, and I’m the first one to be a Division I head coach. This is a great opportunity for me.”

Curry’s father was a high school coach for 35 years in Montana and California before retiring, and two of her brothers are coaching high school basketball now, one in Northern California and one in Wyoming.

“I grew up around basketball, and I went to my father’s practices instead of being with a baby sitter,” she said.

Curry went on to become UCLA’s all-time leading scorer, averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds over a four-year career. She played for the U.S. national team from 1977-1984 and led the Olympic team to a gold medal in 1984. Curry also played eight years as a professional in Europe.

Curry will become the 10th woman to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September.

Curry’s outstanding record as a player was a factor in her selection, according to Associate Athletic Director Maryalyce Jeremiah, who chaired the search committee. “She’s done everything every player dreams of doing,” Jeremiah said. “We think that kind of career gives her an edge.”

Curry, who was given a three-year contract, was chosen over four other finalists. That group included Tamlyn Tills, one of Ayres’ assistants, and Melissa McFerrin, an assistant coach at Ohio State.

Curry was an assistant coach for seven years at California. She was an assistant last year for the San Jose Lasers in the women’s American Basketball League, but Curry said she’s happy to return to college coaching.

“I missed the college atmosphere in the year I was away from it,” Curry said. “I think this is a good fit for me.”

Curry said she probably would have played at Fullerton if she hadn’t decided on UCLA. “I knew all about their traditions and everything then,” Curry said.

Billie Moore, who tried to recruit her for the Titans, became her coach anyway for four seasons at UCLA when Moore moved from Fullerton to become the Bruins’ coach. “I’m eager to get started here,” Curry said. “We’re set for next season with the players we have committed. I’m committed to them, and we hope they’ll all be back.”

Several players attended Friday’s news conference and expressed their approval of the selection. One of them, sophomore Andrea Thieme, served on the screening committee. “You had to give her a lot of respect for what she’s done as a player,” Thieme said. “I think she’ll be real good for us.”

Sophomore starter Dee Braxton said she hasn’t decided if she will be back at Fullerton next year, but said the coaching change is not a factor. “I’m not sure now, but if I’m not, it will be for personal reasons,” she said.

With Braxton, the Titans would have their top five scorers back for Curry’s first season.