MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Akins, Capps, Gadd, Gregory, Martinson, Rogers (14th), Stevens
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING VAN CHANCELLOR UPON HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND WINNING THE 2004 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL.
WHEREAS, since being named Head Coach and General Manager of the Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) Houston Comets franchise on April 29, 1997, Van Chancellor has continued to raise the standard of excellence within the arena of women's basketball; and
WHEREAS, a native of Louisville, Mississippi, Coach Chancellor played two years of basketball at East Central Junior College in Decatur, Mississippi, before transferring to Mississippi State, where he earned a bachelor's degree in math and physical education in 1965 and his master's degree in physical education in 1973; and
WHEREAS, Coach Chancellor first savored the coaching experience during his senior year at Mississippi State, serving as head coach of the boy's basketball team at Noxapater High School, followed by coaching careers at Horn Lake High School and Harrison Central High School; and
WHEREAS, before joining the professional ranks, Coach Chancellor spent 19 successful seasons as the head coach of the University of Mississippi Lady Rebels where he posted a winning record of 439-154, made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, ranked 14th in all-time winning percentage among women's basketball coaches, was named SEC Coach of the Year on three occasions (1987, 1990 and 1992) and won the Lady Rebels' first-ever SEC regular season championship in the 1991-1992 season; and
WHEREAS, since stepping into the professional coaching arena, Coach Chancellor is the only head coach in the WNBA league to have been with his original team since the league's inception in 1997 and ranks as the most winning coach in WNBA history with a 174-80 regular season record and an 18-9 playoffs record; and
WHEREAS, Coach Chancellor, who earned three consecutive WNBA Coach of the Year honors (1997-1999), led the Comets to win the first four WNBA Championships and to become the only team to qualify for the playoffs in each of the first seven seasons of the WNBA; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his coaching experience in the WNBA, Coach Chancellor led the 2002 USA Basketball Women's World Championship Team to the gold medal at the 14th FIBA World Championship for Women, and under his guidance on August 28, 2004, in Athens, Greece, the 2004 Olympic Women's Basketball Team went a perfect 8-0 to capture the gold medal with a 74-63 victory over previously unbeaten Australia; and
WHEREAS, three-time head coach of the Western Conference All-Star Team (1999-2001), Coach Chancellor's exceptional collegiate and professional coaching career was recognized with induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on June 9, 2001, the Ole Miss M-Club Athletic Hall of Fame on August 21, 2002, as well as the East Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in October 1998; and
WHEREAS, a tireless contributor to the community and his church, among his vast involvement, Coach Chancellor has been a guest speaker during Teach for America Week, Prison Fellowship Ministries, and hosted special holiday lunch and gift delivery to the Open Door Mission in Houston, Texas; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Coach Chancellor has enjoyed the love, support and encouragement of his family, including: Betty, his wife of 42 years; children, John and Renee; and four grandsons, Nicholas, Jacob, Joseph and Zachary; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in the accomplishments of such an outstanding Mississippian and coach as Coach Van Chancellor, whose rise to the top reflects a wealth of knowledge, skill and talent and brings great honor and pride to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Coach Van Chancellor on his accomplishments, on a successful career and for winning the 2004 Olympic Gold Medal in women's basketball and extend our wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Van Chancellor and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.