Feb. 26, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland senior Ashleigh Newman was selected on of 53 participants for the 2008 class of Nike's "So You Want To Be A Coach" clinic. In its sixth year, the Women's Basketball Association (WBCA) will host the two and a half day workshop in conjunction with the WBCA National Convention on April 4-6 in Tampa, Fla.

Ashleigh Newman (Shelbyville, Tenn./Shelbyville Central) is on track to graduate at the end of the spring semester in May. Among the program's top three-point shooters making over 120 threes in her four seasons, she broke the record for consecutive games played earlier this season and has played in all 134 games of her career. The 134 appearances currently ties the school record for most games played. Newman has been the main defensive presence on the Terrapin squad the last few years.

The WBCA has been a cornerstone in developing an organization that meets the needs of women, while promoting the game of basketball and its development, as well as, unifying coaches on every level. The So You Want To Be A Coach Program was designed to increase the amount of minorities in the coaching profession, by providing a workshop based on educational and professional principles to help those interested in the field.

The coaching lessons shared with these participants will assist in identifying, recruiting and retaining minority women in the profession of coaching. At this year's workshop, the participants will have the opportunity to meet and learn from some high level professionals such as Penn State head coach Coquese Washington, Old Dominion assistant coach Nikita Dawkins, Black Coaches & Administrators Executive Director Floyd Keith, and many others.

For qualification, the potential candidate must have exhausted her final year of basketball eligibility at a four-year institution or have graduated within the past year. In addition, the candidate's head coach has to nominate them and must be an active WBCA member. Each participant is selected based on their academics, contributions to women's basketball on and off the court, professional resume and a written recommendation from their head coach.

The fifth-ranked Terrapins return to action on Sunday, March 2 traveling to NC State for the season finale. Maryland is 28-2 on the season, equaling its win total from a year ago, and 12-1 in the ACC. The Terps have clinched a two seed in the ACC Tournament which will be held in Greensboro, N.C., March 6-9.

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