Fresno State Athletics
Quotes From Stacy Johnson Press Conference
4/5/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 5, 2002
University President, Dr. John D. Welty
"Stacy Johnson is an outstanding individual. I have no doubt people will come to appreciate and love her quickly. As we look forward to opening the Save Mart Center, we are taking another step onto the national scene. In order to have success I believe there are three key factors: Outstanding student-athletes, great coaches and community support."
Fresno State Athletics Director, Scott Johnson
"I knew it would take a special person to take the position as head women's basketball coach. After a long search, I think we've found the right person. We needed someone to take it another step. Stacy Johnson is a tireless worker who will take that step. Stacy is outgoing, a great teacher and a tenacious person. She isn't afraid of the challenge and is associated with success. She is a great recruiter, who is anxious to get out into the community. I know we will be able to build a strong program around her. Stacy is a great fit here."
New Women's Head Basketball Coach, Stacy Johnson
"I am thrilled to be standing here. Becoming a Division I coach has been a dream job for me. I am looking forward to making a home here in Fresno. In all honesty I had no intention of leaving Oklahoma. By going to Louisiana I was able to play the best teams and to be a championship team. My last 10 years of coaching has been an amazing run for me. It has allowed me the experience to prepare for this. Scott's (Johnson) vision sold me. It was his vision alone that sold me on coming to Fresno. I listened to him for one hour to begin with. Then I listened for another hour and another. I live by my faith in God, family and education, these are the principles in my life. I believe in this team. They are smart athletes open to change. I am excited to share my vision and plan with them. As females it's important they leave here with not only a degree, but prepared to play at the next level, the WNBA. I expect them to set their goals high. We will be the hardest working team in the Western Athletic Conference. There will be no shortcuts for success. Our team will play with class, go to class and get their degrees and graduate.
"What you see is what you get. I want people to accept me for who I am and allow me to lead this program. I want to be respected. I have one more thing to say and that is dreams come true, but it's up to us."
On Recruiting Ties in Oklahoma
"It's hard to recruit athletes from so far away. I want to start in California and stay on the West Coast. As far as California ties, I have them now. This state has so much talent and ability. My goal is to be visible to everyone and make sure the coaches know who I am and where I am from."
On the New Arena (Save Mart Center)
"It plays a tremendous factor in recruiting and in my decision to come here. The arena will be a premier facility in this conference and in the nation. My first goal however is to fill the North Gym before going into the new arena. I want to be successful here (North Gym) before we go. Increasing attendance is something I am working towards."
On Attendance
"We will be an aggressive and fun team. At first people will come to watch just because they are inquisitive, but they will see our program is committed to winning. There are no doubts that we will."
