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Life > Athletics > Basketball >6/20/07
HANEBUTT STEPS DOWN AS HEAD BASKETBALL COACH
 DENTON, Texas (June 20) – Texas Woman’s University head basketball coach Rene Hanebutt, who has been at the helm for the Pioneers the past two seasons, has resigned to pursue other career opportunities.
A Bowie, Texas, native, Hanebutt (pictured) originally came to TWU in April 2005 after serving as the head coach at Decatur ( Texas) High School. In 2005-06, her first season as a collegiate head coach, she led the Pioneers to their best season in 15 years - a 14-14 overall record, a 6-8 mark in Lone Star Conference South Division play, and a berth in the 2006 LSC Tournament. Last season, the Pioneers, playing a lineup of primarily underclassmen, finished with an 11-16 overall record and a 5-9 mark in the LSC South.
Hanebutt’s diligent coaching efforts played a major factor in the individual success of numerous Pioneer players in 2006-07. Freshman guard Jessica Durr led TWU in steals (43) and was second on the team in both points (9.5) and rebounds (5.6) per game. For her efforts, Durr was chosen as the 2007 Lone Star Conference South Division Freshman of the Year and received LSC South Division All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. Senior post Margaret Wimbish, who led TWU in points (14.6) and rebounds (7.9) per game, was tapped to the 2007 LSC South Division All-Conference Second Team. Freshman post Chelsea Cook averaged 8.6 points per game and converted a remarkable 87.5% (70-80) of her free throw attempts.
Hanebutt, who enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Texas Tech University before moving into coaching, said she is excited about the future.
“I had a wonderful coaching experience at TWU,” said Hanebutt. “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach such incredible young ladies. At this time, God is leading me in a different direction for my life. I am putting all my faith in Him leading me to my next career.”
TWU Director of Athletics Chalese Connors spoke highly of Hanebutt’s contributions to the Pioneers’ basketball program over the last two years.
“In a short time, Rene has brought our team to a new competitive level on the court and she’s strengthened our recruiting presence,” Connors said. “She also embraced Denton and made sure TWU basketball student-athletes, as well as student-athletes from our other four teams, were known out in the community. I thank her for all this and wish her the very best. I know she’ll be successful in whatever she does and she’ll always be a TWU fan.”
Hanebutt’s resignation is effective July 6. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
For additional details, please contact the TWU Sports Information office at (940) 898-2373.
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