I love nicknames.
I call Little Rock women's coach
Joe Foley" the master."
Someone with complete knowledge of coaching.
I don't want to go into details on the last court naming in this state, but I like how the naming of
Joe Foley court was done. There was no high-profile outside push or million-dollar donation.
All it took for Little Rock to make this historic move was a gentle " nudge" from a group of former players led by the unofficial mother of Little Rock women's basketball,
Alicia Cash. Athletic Director
George Lee says it was important to do it this year. He wanted to ensure that their Hall of Fame coach got to coach on " his" court.
Monday was a day for Coach Foley to reflect.
Almost twenty years ago, Coach Foley was drenched in sweat at the old Trojan fieldhouse. He may have been the only Division One coach in America with a home gym that didn't have air conditioning.
You have heard the saying, " Build it, and they will come. "
Joe Foley doesn't take the Little Rock job without the promise of the new Jack Stephens Center.
The program barely had a pulse when Foley took over. 377 wins later, the Master is one of the most accomplished coaches in the country. He did what many believed was impossible. He turned Little Rock into an elite mid-major program.
Joe Foley would rather talk about others like Gary Blair. The Aggies Hall of Fame coach was one of the first to reach out to Foley after the news broke. You could see on Monday how much that call, and Blair's friendship, mean to Coach Foley.
Joe Foley also appreciates all the young ladies who put in " work" for him over the past 35 years. He reminded us on Monday that " work" is not a bad word. That comes from the ultimate grinder. His passion for the game and the young people he coaches is unmatched.
Joe Foley Court. I can't wait for November 13th.
