University of Houston Athletics
Dillard Elevated to Associate Head Coach
5/17/2022 1:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Tai Dillard promoted to Women's Basketball Associate Head Coach
HOUSTON – After eight seasons with the program, University of Houston Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Tia Dillard has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, Cougar Head Coach Ronald Hughey announced Tuesday.
"Tai's elevation to Associate Head Coach is a testament to her hard work and how she conducts herself with integrity," Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development/SWA DeJuena Chizer said. "She is loyal, dedicated and a great role model for our student-athletes. This quote sums up Tai - 'Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished.'"
Including her time at Houston, Dillard has 15 years of Division I basketball coaching experience. Her stops at Ole Miss, USC and UTSA built her foundation before arriving in Houston for the 2014-15 season.
While with the Cougars, Dillard has helped Houston to four straight postseason berths and record a 20-win season in 2017-18. The San Antonio native has also seen four players surpass the 1,000 career point mark, coming in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Before her time in Houston, Dillard spent the 2013-14 season as an assistant coach at Ole Miss, mainly working with Rebels' backcourt. She helped develop senior point guard Valencia McFarland into one of the top players in school history with her 1,655 career points ranking sixth on the program's all-time list.
Prior to her stint at Ole Miss, Dillard spent one season serving as an assistant coach under legendry head coach Michael Cooper at USC during the 2012-13 campaign. While in Southern California, she helped coach guards Brianna Barrett and Ariya Crook to Pac-12 All-Conference honors.
Before arriving at USC, Dillard spent five seasons on the sideline at UTSA. During her stint, Dillard's primary duties included working with guards, recruiting, and organizing summer camps.
Dillard's talents also extend to the playing court, where she was a four-year letterwinner at Texas, playing under Hall of Fame head coach Jody Conradt. While at Texas (1999-2003), Dillard helped lead the Longhorns to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, including a trip to the Final Four during her senior year.
As a pro, Dillard played for the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars from 2003-05, appearing in 57 games. She briefly played in the National Women's Basketball League for the Houston Stealth in 2004 and gained more experience overseas while playing in the Israeli Premier Basketball League for the Macabbi Tel Kabir from 2004-05.
Dillard received her bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2003. She currently lives in Houston with her husband, Brandon Mouton, and son Langston.
JOIN the FAST BREAK CLUB
Fans are invited to join the Fast Break Club to support Houston Women's Basketball. Fast Break Club members provide financial support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond the program's operating budget. For more information about the Fast Break Club, click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
"Tai's elevation to Associate Head Coach is a testament to her hard work and how she conducts herself with integrity," Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development/SWA DeJuena Chizer said. "She is loyal, dedicated and a great role model for our student-athletes. This quote sums up Tai - 'Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished.'"
Including her time at Houston, Dillard has 15 years of Division I basketball coaching experience. Her stops at Ole Miss, USC and UTSA built her foundation before arriving in Houston for the 2014-15 season.
While with the Cougars, Dillard has helped Houston to four straight postseason berths and record a 20-win season in 2017-18. The San Antonio native has also seen four players surpass the 1,000 career point mark, coming in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Before her time in Houston, Dillard spent the 2013-14 season as an assistant coach at Ole Miss, mainly working with Rebels' backcourt. She helped develop senior point guard Valencia McFarland into one of the top players in school history with her 1,655 career points ranking sixth on the program's all-time list.
Prior to her stint at Ole Miss, Dillard spent one season serving as an assistant coach under legendry head coach Michael Cooper at USC during the 2012-13 campaign. While in Southern California, she helped coach guards Brianna Barrett and Ariya Crook to Pac-12 All-Conference honors.
Before arriving at USC, Dillard spent five seasons on the sideline at UTSA. During her stint, Dillard's primary duties included working with guards, recruiting, and organizing summer camps.
Dillard's talents also extend to the playing court, where she was a four-year letterwinner at Texas, playing under Hall of Fame head coach Jody Conradt. While at Texas (1999-2003), Dillard helped lead the Longhorns to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, including a trip to the Final Four during her senior year.
As a pro, Dillard played for the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars from 2003-05, appearing in 57 games. She briefly played in the National Women's Basketball League for the Houston Stealth in 2004 and gained more experience overseas while playing in the Israeli Premier Basketball League for the Macabbi Tel Kabir from 2004-05.
Dillard received her bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2003. She currently lives in Houston with her husband, Brandon Mouton, and son Langston.
JOIN the FAST BREAK CLUB
Fans are invited to join the Fast Break Club to support Houston Women's Basketball. Fast Break Club members provide financial support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond the program's operating budget. For more information about the Fast Break Club, click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
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