Lions’ Russ Davis Coach of the Year

Russ Davis, currently in his seventh season as head women’s

basketball coach at Vanguard University, was recently selected as the

Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year for Region

1.

Davis, who leads Vanguard into the NAIA Championships for a fifth

time beginning Wednesday, was chosen by coaches in the Western

region.

He will be a finalist, along with six other coaches, for national

Coach of the Year. The recipient will be honored during the Russell

Athletic/WBCA Coach of the Year luncheon at the Atlanta Marriott

Marquis April 7 at 1 p.m.

Davis led Vanguard (25-9) to the Golden State Athletic Conference

title game this season before losing to The Master’s College, 76-66.

He has compiled a 161-66 record (.709 winning percentage) in seven

years at the school. The Lions have made a playoff appearance each

year during his tenure.

Between 1998 and 2000, the Lions won at least 27 games a season in

earning three consecutive GSAC championships.

Davis began coaching girls at Woodbridge in 1991 after being an assistant to the boys since 1982.

Estancia High hired Davis after the 1991 season and revitalized

the program. He stayed with the Eagles until being hired at Vanguard

after the 1995-96 season.

Twice he has been selected to coach in the high school Orange

County All-Star game and was named Golden State Athletic Conference

Coach of the Year for the second time this season.