ND’s Owens named top assistant
Published 8:24 am Tuesday, March 19, 2019
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced Notre Dame’s Carol Owens as its 2019 Division I Assistant Coach of the Year.
The award, now in its fourth year, has been won twice by a Notre Dame associate head coach, as Niele Ivey took home the top honor in its inaugural year in 2016.
“It is a tremendous honor to be named the WBCA Assistant Coach of the Year. I am fortunate to work with an amazing and legendary head coach in Muffet McGraw,” Owens said. “I have learned so much from her over the years and her impact on my career is immeasurable. I am also thankful to work with people like Niele Ivey, Beth Cunningham and the rest of our staff, as they continue to push me, challenge me, and support me to be the best coach I can be.”
Owens has certainly had a memorable last eight days. Back on March 5, Owens was announced as part of inaugural Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame class from A STEP UP. Shortly after, her two starting post players reeled in some major hardware.
Brianna Turner became a four-time All-ACC selection and was named the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. Jessica Shepard earned First Team All-ACC honors for the second time and made the ACC All-Tournament Team.
The duo combined for 50 points and 20 rebounds in the ACC title game, securing a No. 1 seed for the Irish in the NCAA Tournament.
Furthermore, Turner and Shepard are the only post duo in the country both shooting over 60 percent. Both average over 14 points per game and have combined for 22 double-doubles this year. In addition, both are projected first round picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft.