November 3, 2010 - Retha Renee Swindell, a 1975 graduate of Center High School, has been selected to be featured in the University Co-op UFCU Legends Park. The new park will be unveiled soon and will feature legendary University of Texas men and women who have won national awards and/or their numbers retired. Of the 26 men and 26 women to be featured, Retha Swindell will be among those honored. She will have a statue with a personal plaque displaying - First African-American woman to play basketball at UT, member of the 1978 US Select Basketball Team, 1977-78 Women's NIT All American. The park will be located behind the University Co-op main store, 2246 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas. The park will surround the largest, most photographed Longhorn in Texas.
Coach Dorothy Williams presents R.E. Malone Award to Retha Swindell. The plaque is displayed with her name at the Center High School.
Before attending UT, Retha attended Center HS and graduated 4th in her class in 1975. During her high school career, she earned 1st team All District, All Regional, and All State in basketball and track both her junior and senior years. She was a member of the National Honor Society 2 years and Who's Who 3 years. In 1974, Retha set a National and State record in Triple Jump - 39 feet, 2 3/4 inches. She was awarded the R.E. Malone Award for Outstanding Athlete her senior year. She was awarded a University of Texas Scholarship, a 4-year full ride based on her academic achievements.
Retha's quote beside her 1975 Center HS graduation picture was: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Retha attended the UT of Austin from 1975 - 1979. During Retha's sophomore year at UT, tragedy struck when her mother was killed in an auto accident. During this difficult time, Retha continued her education as well as filling an emotional and maternal role for her siblings. After the accident, two teachers from Center ISD, Helen and Judy Bowers, gave Retha a home base. She graduated in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. Retha was a UT 2001 Hall of Honor Inductee and in 2008 was presented a "T" Ring by Jody Conradt, head basketball coach at UT beginning Retha's sophomore year. Female Athletees honored with a "T" Ring must have finished their athletic elibiblity at UT, have completed their degree, and been inducted into the Hall of Honor.
After graduating from UT, Retha played professional basketball with the Chicago Hustle and Dallas Diamonds. She has taught and coached high school basketball in Tyler, Pineland, and Baytown, Texas. She coached at Baytown for 16 years. She has coached 4 district champions, two regional tournament finalists, and twice been named district coach of the year. Among her star prep pupils is Teresa Weatherspoon who was an all-pro with the WNBA New York Liberty and is currently head coach at Louisana Tech in Ruston.
Retha's achievements at UT include:
- USA / International Basketball Experience: 1978 USA Basketball Select Team. They traveled to Korea, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.
- College Basketball Honors: NWIT All-American (1977-78), No. 7 AIAW national all-time rebounding (1,759), one of only five players in AIAW history to score over 1,700 points and collect over 1,700 rebounds, and 2001 University of Texas Women's Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee.
- In the Texas Record Book: only player in Texas history to score 1,500+ points (1,795) and collect 1,500-plus rebounds (1,759), 1st, career rebounding (1,759), 2nd, career games played (151), 6th, career field goals made (770), 7th, career scoring (1,795), 1st, single season rebounds (697), 1st, single person rebound average (15.5 rpg), holds Texas single game record for rebounds (25), four-time season rebounding leader (1975-1979), and holds season records for most rebounds by a sophomore (697) and junior (466).
Photo on the 1975 UIL (4th Annual) Girl's Track and Field Meet.
Retha is holding the 1975 Girl's Track and Field Meet Program which featured her photo.
Retha on the Great Wall of China. She is giving the UT sign with both hands. "Hook'em Horns!"
