Aug. 16, 2006

WACO, Texas - Waco native Damion McKinney has been hired as an assistant coach for Baylor's women's basketball team, head coach Kim Mulkey announced today.

McKinney, a 1992 graduate of LaVega High School, comes to the Lady Bear program from the Dallas-based DFW Elite Basketball organization where he was the program's elite recruiting director. In addition, he has coached at the high school level, most recently as an assistant boys coach at Dallas' Sunset High School where he taught ninth grade history.

The 32-year-old earned his bachelor of science degree from Midwestern State University (MSU) where he was a two-time first-team All-Lone Star Conference basketball selection. McKinney still holds the MSU record for three-pointers in a game with nine. Prior to transferring to MSU, McKinney played at McLennan Community College.

"Damion is a local young man that will bring a lot of new energy to our program. He also brings AAU basketball experience and contacts in the Dallas area and he's a Waco guy coming home," Mulkey said. "This is an extra position that has been in our budget for a couple of years, I was just waiting for the right person to fill it," she added.

During his prep career at LaVega, McKinney was a standout performer in football, basketball and track. Among his honors were first-team Super Centex and all-district honors in basketball and first-team all-district football kudos as at quarterback and defensive back.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to learn under Coach Mulkey. I am so impressed with her success and knowledge at all levels of the game. It is a privilege to work under her and be back home, I'm anxious to hit the floor, " said McKinney.