Vincent, coach of the year

Predicted to finish seventh in the Heartland Conference, the women's basketball team gave no sign of proving the pre-season polls wrong, for their non-conference play (2-10) didn't turn out successful.However, after a rocky start with a competitive schedule, the Lady Dustdevils stepped up their game and became top runners in the conference.A win on Feb. 23 over 20th ranked in the nation, St. Mary's secured the team a 3rd place spot in the conference tournament -- becoming the first team to advance this year when the university is an active NCAA member.At the tournament, the Lady Dustdevils lost to Incarnate Word 71-57, but all-conference selections represented the team's hard-work and talent.Making it on the first team all-conference were senior Jasmine June and junior Mary Tobias.June averaged 14.2 and 6 rebounds per game.Tobias, a Laredo native, averaged 14.8 points per game: an average that landed her a fourth spot on the Heartland Conference individual stats.Also making the award list was sophomore and point guard Krystal Manning. Manning was an honorable mention pick and Defensive Player of the Year.Leading the conference in steals, 3.2 per game, earned Manning the award.With the team's and player's success, one individual's performance could not go unnoticed: head coach Daryl Vincent earned the top award, Coach of the Year.The Dustdevils shined this year, and their leader -- Vincent -- shows us a glimpse of his work-ethic, career, and future expectations.

Editor's Note: Below is Cinthia's interview with Coach Vincent.

1.In a brief statement, tell us about your coaching career.I have coached at every level. I started out working with individuals (skills development), then I coached Jr. high, high school, junior college and now the four year college level. My first five years at the collegiate level were as an assistant on the men's side. I made the switch to women following the 2004 season at Kingsville. I served as an assistant for two years there before taking this job. I worked for some pretty good coaches...that experience has allowed me to get where I am today.

2. How would you describe your coaching style?DIFFERENT and EMOTIONAL! I used to be really animated but old age has slowed me down a bit. I really enjoy the game of basketball and being around it gets me hyper! That's why I never sit down during games. It is very satisfying when the hours of preparation pay off in games. I love to see a good plan work. Conversely, I hate to see one fail. I believe in coaching every minute of every game no matter what the score is! I have had people ask me how come I'm still so serious when I'm winning by 15 or 20 points with just a few minutes in the game. My answer is "It ain't over 'til it's over." I never let my guard down. The same is true when we are down by 15 or 20 with a few minutes to go. As long as there is time on the clock I feel I have a chance to win! Those things bring out lots of emotions and that's what you see from me on game day.

3.After only three years with the university, how does it feel to lead a team into the conference tournament?Actually, during my first season we finished tied for 3rd but were not eligible to go to the tournament yet. So to be able to actually go this time feels really good. I think this shows a steady progression towards establishing a successful program.

4.In terms of self-accomplishment, what does being named Coach of the Year mean for you and your career?I think this award has meant more to others than to me! My mom and dad were really excited and told all their friends, and my wife and kids were the same way. The girls were equally excited. They all know the amount of work I have put into being a coach, and they are just happy for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, too, but the effort from me has always been the same year in and year out. In all honesty, I could not have gotten the award without the players giving me all they had and the assistant coaches being total team players. I'm not sure what, if anything it will do for my career, but no one can take this one away from me. Hopefully, I can add a few more, and then when I'm old and gray, I can tell my grandkids what a great coach I was.

5.What are your plans for next season? How do you surpass a successful one, and how much recruiting needs to be done to replace your seniors?Well, I hope we can continue to build on this season. While making the Heartland Conference tourney was a good accomplishment, it's not the ultimate goal. We will have a pretty tough schedule again next year, but I would like to have a winning record, make the conference tourney again, and, hopefully, win it!Replacing the current group of seniors will be hard because they have such a big influence both on and off the court. The most pressing need is going to be a true post player! I think Latreshe will help out more next season, but she will need help. We will also need a dominant wing player, someone who can shoot as well as attack the basket. I think we will add four, maybe five recruits that can hopefully fill the voids that we will have.