Coaching Career Highlights:
College Coaching
Ole Miss (University of Mississippi, Women’s Basketball Head Coach, 1978–1997)
Led Ole Miss to 14 NCAA Tournament appearances
Reached the Elite Eight 4 times
Compiled a record of 439–154 (.740 winning percentage)
Three-time SEC Coach of the Year (1987, 1990, 1992)
WNBA Coaching
Houston Comets (Head Coach, 1997–2006)
Won 4 consecutive WNBA Championships (1997–2000) — the first team in league history to do so
Named WNBA Coach of the Year (1997, 1998, 1999)
Compiled a WNBA record of 211–111
USA National Team Coaching
Head coach of the USA Women’s Basketball Team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens
Led the team to a Gold Medal
Maintained an undefeated record in international competition
LSU Tigers (Women’s Basketball Head Coach, 2007–2011)
Guided the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
Coaching Style and Legacy:
Known for his approachable personality and player-focused coaching style
Played a pivotal role in elevating women’s basketball at both collegiate and professional levels
One of the most successful and respected coaches in women’s basketball history
Career Statistics:
College Record: 529–194
WNBA Record: 211–111
Overall Coaching Record: 740–305
Winning Percentage: .708
Halls of Fame Inductions:
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2007)
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2001)
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (1996)
SEC Women’s Basketball Legend (2006)
Van Chancellor’s career is defined by championship success, international accolades, and his lasting impact on the growth of women’s basketball.
Basketball Legend Van Chancellor Enshrinement Speech
Ralph Sampson signs the Original Basketball Hall of Fame at the CSA Show
Chantilly, Va October 19, 2024
When you get down to the nitty-gritty, I’ve always said I like good players who are experienced, That’s what we have